Madam Speaker, one of the undisputed highlights of 2007 has been the surplus budget which indicates that our country is on an upward curve towards a better life for all.
South Africans are beginning to show confidence in the way Parliament and the state institutions are conducting their affairs as indicated by the World Values Survey results earlier this year. As Parliamentarians we may go into this holiday period with a semblance of ease that we have accounted ourselves reasonably well in our duties.
The second highlight for us was the visit to Parliament by the Springboks with the Rugby World Cup. We especially want to thank Madam Speaker and the Deputy Speaker for the clever idea of the invitation.
We are entering a new phase of a united country, and the 2010 Soccer World Cup preparations are another yardstick to show how we are growing in stature as a nation.
There is, of course, still much to be done, such as getting the Child Justice Bill approved. But we have done well in getting the Children's Amendment Bill passed this year.
Madam Speaker, in looking forward to the parliamentary programme for 2008, we need to be mindful that 2008 will be a watershed year because it will be the final year for the present government to make a lasting impact.
On behalf of the FD I wish to commend the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker and all the presiding officers for the manner in which the parliamentary business was conducted. My thanks go to the Table staff and all the parliamentary support staff for a job well done.
Finally, the FD wishes everyone a safe and pleasant holiday, and may the Christmas of peace be the message we take to our constituencies and our families. May we all continue to live with hope and happiness in the land we love the most. I thank you. [Applause.]