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File image: Christmas tree.
Political parties in Parliament have wished South Africans well over the Christmas and festive holiday period. The National Legislature has officially taken a break after a busy and challenging year.
All parties have set politics aside to extend heartfelt wishes this festive season.
“As we gather let’s pause to be grateful, also remember those with less, facing hunger, displacement, loneliness, or hardship,” says Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, John Steenhuisen.
African National Congress (ANC) chief whip Mdumiseni Ntuli adds, “This is a period of profound significance for Christians, as it marks the birth of Christ. unity, compassion and respect for one another are values that must guide us.”
The President of the United Africans Transformation (UAT), Dr Wonder Mahlatsi, echoed the sentiments that ubuntu, community, compassion and connection with people, should be at the forefront this festive season.
“Let us continue to hold the spirit of ubuntu, unity, and collective responsibility and while we are celebrating, let us not forget those who are in need, those who continue to face the hardship, and to all the africans who will be travelling, i wish you a safe travel.”
Fighting Gender-based violence and alcohol abuse
Fighting the scourge of gender based violence and alcohol abuse should not be put on the back burner this festive season. That’s the message from the leaders of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Velenkosini Hlabisa, and Ganief Hendricks from Al Jamaa-ah. Hlabisa and Hendricks say South Africans must stay vigilant over the next few weeks…
“Do not drink and drive, our youth must take care of future. Alcohol abuse destroys futures. GBV is a collective responsibility. Pay tribute to essential workers who keep us safe and secure during festive season,” says Hlabisa.
“Let’s note that its unacceptable to have the high levels of GBV and femicide that we are experiencing as we conclude 2025,” adds Hendricks.
United Democratic Movement (UDM) leader, Bantu Holomisa and GOOD Secretary General, Brett Herron, expressed hope that the new year would bring more positive developments.
“Many of us have been batting on the wicket of anti-corruption for years. As we enter 2026 we hope the criminal justice system will be better resourced.”
“We pray for the families whose loved ones have been consumed by the cultures of gangsterism violent criminality and misogyny on the Cape Flats, Gqeberha, Johannesburg, Kimberley.”
Peaceful and safe festive season
African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) leader, Reverend Kenneth Meshoe, has wished South Africans a peaceful and safe festive season.
“May you and loved ones enjoy yourself. May good news be all you hear, have a peaceful festive protected from danger. A peaceful and happy happy new year. May 2026 be a year full of hope and good things for your family.”
The acting Parliamentary leader of the Umkhonto weSizwe party (MKP), Des van Rooyen, has a special wish to his colleagues in the Parliamentary corridors. Van Rooyen encouraged his colleagues across the political divide to take this easy after a year filled with long and some times late house sittings.
“As we head into festive season, hope everyone will rest, switch off mics, close their files, spend time with family, hopefully with no points of order. I wish you all a safe, joyful festive season and new year filled with hope and perhaps, slightly shorter sittings.”
Rise Mzansi leader, Songezo Zibi, has called on South Africans not to abuse alcohol over the festive season. He urged South Africans not to drink and drive, and to ensure that celebrations are not marred by alcohol abuse.
“Secondly let us not carry weapons to places of entertainment. Majority of murders at this time happen between people who know each other. Also a thought to essential workers who will ensure that we all enjoy this festive season.”
The Freedom Front Plus says the true meaning of Christmas must be amplified this season, in the light – it says – of threats to the Christian values and faith. Party leader Corne Mulder, says while Christmas is a reminder of love, grace, care and peace, this is changing world wide.
“But we must also be honest…world wide the message and values of Christmas being questioned, distorted and even under attack. christian faith, family, respect and values under pressure. for this reason, stand firm, true meaning of christmas, may we not only celebrate it but defend it and live it.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVefkE8KPpY
