Hon Chairperson, hon Chief Justice, delegates here present, guests in the gallery, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon to you all. Let me also add my voice in congratulating you, Chairperson, on being elected to represent hon members of the various legislatures and the hon premiers from all the provinces, especially abomama [the ladies]. [Applause.]
Today marks a very important occasion in the history of our democracy, especially after the masses of our people spoke so clearly during the fourth democratic elections of our country.
Your re-election, hon Chairperson, epitomises a vote of confidence by your party, the ANC, and generally by the provinces represented in this House. It points to your personal vibrant, consultative, accessible and visionary leadership, and it embraces the principles of change and continuity.
Your previous record as a negotiator at the Convention for a Democratic South Africa, Codesa, as a member of the Constitutional Assembly and as Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP from 2005 speaks for itself and qualifies you as a seasoned cadre in the struggle to improve the lives of our people.
I would be failing in my responsibilities if I did not remind you of the tasks we have been dealing with in the Speakers' Forum, which include the finalisation of the formalisation of the sector policy with all nine provinces and national Parliament - in fact, the critical issue there is implementation more than formalisation - redefining the role of the sector in deepening democracy and nation-building; and capacity-building of public representatives in order to enable them to discharge their constitutional obligations.
This House would agree that we still have the challenge of ensuring that the legislative arm of government is taken seriously in all spheres of life. It is, therefore, our duty to make sure that such seriousness does prevail.
During the previous elections, the people of South Africa spoke and they have spoken loud and clear. It is mainly up to this House, hon Chairperson, to ensure that this government delivers on its promises. This House is strategically positioned to see to it that our people are not disappointed.
Through your leadership, hon Chairperson, we shall be constantly reminded that members of this House are not just ordinary Members of Parliament, but delegates of provinces. And, in fulfilling their responsibilities, the true meaning of the word "delegate" must be realised. The current existing bridge between the three spheres of government should be history as our democracy matures. Our people have worked so hard for our freedom, yet the challenges of poverty, unemployment, HIV and Aids continue to undermine our efforts, especially in provinces like the Eastern Cape.
It is high time we review our strategies of involving the public in the process of lawmaking, oversight and building co-operative government. The level and approach to oversight needs to focus more on the impact of the more than 1 000 pieces of legislation already passed. We need to ask ourselves the question: What has the massive production of laws done for our people?
In conclusion, hon Chairperson, on behalf of the people of the Eastern Cape, I would like to congratulate you on your election and wish you all the best in your service. I would also like to congratulate our President, Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, on his election yesterday and to wish him well as he will be taking on the challenge of leading South Africa into being a more democratic and peaceful country. I wish you all the best. Remember that working together we can do more. I thank you. [Applause.]