Parliament, Monday 31 December 2018 - The Presiding Officers of Parliament, led by the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, wish all South Africans a happy and successful 2019.
Guided by the noble principles and ideals of the two foremost stalwarts of our liberation struggle, Mama Albertina Sisulu and Tata Nelson Mandela, whose 100th birthdays we mark this year, Parliament in 2018 intensified its Constitutional function of executive oversight, law-making and facilitating public involvement.
Working with the people of this nation whose hope for a better life continue to rest on the shoulders of this legislative body, both Houses of Parliament played leading role as platform for robust debates on issues of public importance, made key strides in production of transformative legislation and vigorously pursued oversight without fear, favour or prejudice.
As we let go of 2018, we remember the year for its good, challenging moments and tests to us as a nation. We must be grateful for the achievements made and the lessons gained. There is no doubt that with these challenges and lessons, came the new keys to unlock future successes and breakthroughs to further unlock our potential as a nation.
The battles and challenges ahead require a nation that is united behind a goal of building a united, non-racial, non- sexist, democratic and prosperous society. As we enter into the new year, we must reject all that divides us and embrace that which unite us.
The New Year – 2019 - carries great opportunities for renewal and continued bolstering of our constitutional democracy. We are closing the fifth term of Parliament, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of our democracy and freedom. The nation will again engage in a process of renewing its social contracts with various political formations through the elections that will usher-in the sixth Parliament and administration.
As Parliament, once more, we stand ready and capable of serving our people to make your future work better. We trust that together we will build on the new better foundation, to set a new development path for 2019 and beyond.
As Presiding Officers of the Parliament of South Africa, we wish you all a Happy and a Prosperous New Year.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
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