Right!
Today, we bid farewell to one another as Members of Parliament. We bid farewell in the knowledge that we have taken forward the task of deepening and consolidating our democracy through creating a parliament which is compassionate, accessible and reflective of the needs and interests of the aspirations and hopes of the people of South Africa.
This is in line with the Freedom Charter that speaks of a South Africa that belongs to all who live in it. You must enjoy it. All of you, you must go under the Freedom Charter. You are ruled by the Freedom Charter. [Interjections.]
In this Chamber, in committees and in constituencies we have worked hard and tirelessly to make a real difference in the daily lives of the people of South Africa. It is here that our society, through its public representatives and political parties, has an opportunity to develop the national policy.
We have continued with our task of passing transformative legislation. As we prepare for the end-of-the-year break, I'm sure all of us will remember the moments of excitement in this Parliament and the drama that has characterised the parliamentary year, especially the birthday party cake that was brought here. Some will look at it with scorn, but to some it was the joke of the year in this Parliament.
I am sure that members are genuine in their beliefs and whilst I may not agree with the views they express, I've never doubted the genuineness of the manner in which they represented their constituencies. We should all be proud of and maintain that record in this Parliament.
Madam Speaker and Madam Deputy Speaker, I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to you for your patience and thoughtfulness throughout the year. Even though some of the more significant pieces of legislation have been debated vigorously, robustly and uncompromisingly, you have exercised a steady hand over our sometimes heated exchanges to ensure the smooth running of this Parliament.
My appreciation also goes to the Secretary of Parliament and the legal advisers behind me here. I further extend my sincere thanks to the security staff and the police, who must feel they have the least pleasant task in this place. To the staff of the parliamentary dining room, I thank you for the good food and fine service. I sometimes see people going for some more! [Interjections.]
Many people help us carry out our duties as members of this Parliament. An important group is the staff of the various parties. They are often the frontline troops and we all recognise their considerable efforts. I extend my thanks to all of them.
It is with pleasure that I extend my Christmas wishes to members and staff who have made all this possible. Surely I'm not the only person who is looking forward to Christmas and a chance to return to my constituency, and to spend some well-deserved time with my family and friends.
So, we say farewell! Go in peace now from this place to our regions and constituencies, and prepare for the next chapter in our success story. Spend your time well - spend it with your families and relatives, and we say thank you. The ANC is coming back in 2008 stronger and stronger. Thank you! [Interjections.] [Applause.]