Hon Speaker, this is, of course, the single moment in every parliamentary year when members give a sigh of relief as most of us here look forward to spending some quality time in our constituencies and some even better time with our loved ones at home.
Sidinwe kakhulu, Sihlalo. Sifuna ukuya ekhaya ngoku. [We are so tired, Chairperson. We want to go home now.]
Dit is natuurlik ook die tyd van die jaar waar ons kan reflekteer oor ons individuele en gesamentlike bydraes en prestasies as parlementslede. Bitter min kan egter op ons eie bereik word, want die aard van ons werk hier is geskoei op gesamentlike beraadslaging en besluitneming. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)
[It is of course also the time of the year when we can reflect on our individual and collective contributions and achievements as parliamentarians. However, we can achieve very little on our own, because the nature of our work is based on collective consultation and decision- making.]
Modulasetulo, motho ke motho ka batho ba bang. [Speaker, I am because you are, you are because I am.]
I must therefore thank you, Speaker, your Deputy and the entire team led by you, for all your efforts to facilitate conditions aimed at making our work run smoother and better.
Ons stem natuurlik nie altyd saam met die aksies wat geneem word en die omstandighede waaraan ons onderwerp word nie, maar ons het nietemin waardering vir al die pogings en die meestal aangename wedersydse gees van samewerking wat in hierdie Parlement heers. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)
[Of course we do not always agree with the actions that are taken and the circumstances that we are subjected to, but we nevertheless have appreciation for all the efforts and the pleasant and mutual spirit of co- operation that prevails in this Parliament most of the time.]
I also wish to thank all the Members of Parliament for the vigorous interactions, and here, of course, I must single out the ANC and their executive for all the beautiful blunders that gave us the ammunition and provisions to have these lively debates.
I also wish to pay special tribute to my parliamentary leader, Ms Lindiwe Mazibuko, for her guidance and absolutely strong leadership, and I couple with her our caucus Chairs, Whips and colleagues. It has again been a singular privilege for me to have worked with you all this past year, and I thank you for that. [Applause.]
However, at times of farewell, we must be completely honest and sincere with each other so that we depart with a good understanding of what we have achieved and what we have not achieved on behalf of the people of this country. [Interjections.] I think we can all be proud of our Joint Standing Committee on Ethics that engaged with integrity on the issue of the former Minister Dina Pule, her lover and her red shoes. Within all the outstanding recommendations that the report proposed to reprimand Dina Pule ... [Interjections.]