FAREWELL SPEECH PARLIAMENT 2014

Cheryllyn Dudley MP ACDP

In the realm of politics where MP's reside it is easy to get caught up in the game of politics - this in itself is not a crime as politicians do what they think they must, to convince people they can deliver a better government - the lines blurr however, when discrediting at any cost those seen as standing in the way of either arresting or holding on to power becomes the focus - when we start undermining democratic institutions, creating chaos and trying to render parliament unworkable or the country ungovernable - then we have gone too far.   

When we take ourselves and the game of 'seeking power' too seriously we forget the reason for the power - it is not about us - it is about the people we represent.  We cannot and must not use and abuse the responsibility we have - not only to this generation but to future generations. 

As a 'people' who - despite reservations - chose to find each other, build a nation based on democratic principles and freedoms, and to leave a worthwhile  legacy for future generations - I would say - we are going to have to show greater respect for each other and for those we represent!

We have come to the end of an very short and challenging year for Parliament - but we got here - I am grateful - and hopeful that we can go the distance and stand the test of time! 

As I stand here on behalf of my colleagues in the ACDP I want to appreciate everyone who has been involved in the life and work of Parliament this year and pray that we will all grow in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. 

Christmas is a time of giving and in the spirit of Christmas I want to give you something  to take from today that I think is special - it is a song that is the creative work of Andre de Villiers but as both the rules of parliament and my singing abilities don't allow for it to be sung - I hope you will hear what I hear as I read these words to you. 

"You and me we're made the same

We've got things to lose we've got things to gain

We see from different points of view

But when I look at your life it's like déjà vu

There's a little bit of you in me and me in you

You got me and I got you

Evening and morning make the day

Where the sun comes up somewhere it fades away

It all depends upon your point of view

When I look at your life it's like déjà vu

There's a little bit of you in me and me in you

You've got me and I've got you..."

Defending freedom to choose even when we don't like what people choose!

"I, like some of you, find the racist message and extreme socialist policies of the EFF obnoxious, however, I am inclined to believe that in the interests of a strong democratic SA we must put aside our likes and dislikes in order to defend our freedoms - including freedom of speech and expression in Parliament.

Now don't get me wrong I have grown to respect the institution of Parliament second to none and I am very vocal on my disappointment that opposition politics has caused South Africans to disrespect and under-value this important institution which does an important work as the representative, people's Parliament it is.

Tracking my path over 15 plus years as a Member of Parliament may give some insight into my thinking.

I was nothing if not an activist when I first came to Parliament - I knew what I knew and had no problem saying it like I saw it or 'heard it'!  I often took the liberty of calling the ANC murderers - amongst other things. Today I am not proud of it but I smile at my ignorance, arrogance and lack of knowledge. I clearly felt courageous and was fearless for my cause - respect and humility being ignored in my zealous efforts.  I was also rewarded with the respect of fellow zealots who like me somehow thought our cause was best served by cliches, sarcasm bad manners and being disrespectful!
Like the EFF I did my share of being disruptive, spoke out of turn reacting to statements I didn't agree with in meetings and in the National Assembly - I was always looking for the most radical way to get my point across.

It didn't take me too long fortunately to get acquainted with the rules and practices of Parliament - and to figure out that there was a better way - a way that did not disrespect people and cause them to shut their ears to what I was saying - a way to play the ball and not the man. I also began to understand that it was of far greater benefit to understand the issues from multiple perspectives before assuming I had the answers.  It is easy to see things through our eyes but that is never the whole picture.

I remember my attitude being reflected in what I wore on many occasion as I paid little attention to dressing for the Opening of Parliament each year And favoured pants suits and even sandals - so much easier to work the long hours and survive the tiring oversight work.

All members of Parliament - not just opposition parties - should in my opinion protect our freedoms and the rights of minorities.  Believe it or not - the ANC has on many occasion been better at that than the opposition has!  Yes most of us at Parliament right now are offended by the intolerance and rude behavior of the EFF and we will allow the rules of Parliament to draw some lines - what we cannot and must not do is become defensive and redraw those lines more restrictively than they need to be for purposes of getting our work done as efficiently and effectively as democracy will allow.

The EFF will grow up - some may remain disrespectful, bitter and rude - it is their choice to do so - others will reflect the growth in their lives and we will all be the better for it.  Choice must remain an option!  The DA are themselves facing interesting choices - having been guilty of obnoxious and disruptive behavior in Parliament over many years they are now showing signs of choosing to grow up - growth is always impressive!

The way I see it - from my own experience - after five years you may not have changed visibly but like it or not your 'eyes have been opened'.   After ten years you do not think at all like you did when you first came to Parliament but you can still open your mouth and recite the same rhetoric - after 15 years you are ready to do the job you came to do with the necessary knowledge and tools acquired."

Besides, defending freedom to choose even when we don't like what people choose - seems to me a "God thing" to do!