Parliament made the news for all the wrong reasons this past year, with misbehaving MPs hogging the headlines. But the important tasks of budgeting, legislating and maintaining oversight were still completed, with varying degrees of success. Our parliamentary bureau identified the pockets of true excellence in our parliament:Minister of the Year:Lynne Brown (public enterprises): Despite never actually calling it a crisis, Brown dealt with the Eskom issue with vigour and honesty. She was open about the challenges, and set to work fast. She found the right person for the job at Eskom in Brian Molefe, put him in it and fought for him to stay. The problem isn't over, but we know that, because Brown told us it isn't. She is available to the portfolio committee as required, an example some other cabinet members, notably Minister of Labour Mildred Oliphant, would do well to take heed of.Runner-up:Naledi Pandor (science and technology): Minister Pandor is our most accomplished parliamentarian. She knows her portfolio, limited as it might be. And face it, no other minister has had a hominoid named after her! Long may she grace the parliamentary corridors.Honourable mention: Ayanda Dlodlo (deputy: public service and administration): While her department's minister is relatively new to the department, Dlodlo could be mistaken as the minister. She's ever present in parliament to answer questions. And she has a way of keeping her cool through the name-calling and bickering.MP of the Year:story_article_right1Nqabayomzi Kwankwa (UDM): Kwankwa has got stuck into his committees and his work with quiet confidence and admirable expertise, but it's his work on the sidelines of the #FeesMustFall and the National Education Health and Allied Workers Union strike that really proved his mettle.Kwankwa was one of a handful of MPs who left the National Assembly when the students poured through the gates of parliament, returning to pass a note to minister Blade Nzimande with a request to go and speak to them.Later, when police threw stun grenades at striking workers, it was Kwankwa first, and other parties later, who acted as the messenger between workers and the Speaker's office.Runner-up:John Steenhuisen (DA): He is an expert on parliamentary rules, truly cares about the institution and is a hard worker. Nothing unprocedural gets past him! Also, he has a sense of humour, which is missing from our political discourse all too often, while being approachable at all times. Furthermore, he has been at the forefront in keeping Cecil "Mr Secrecy Bill" Burgess from becoming the inspector of spies, thank goodness. Now, if only Steenhuisen could rise above the DA's nasty internal fights, just think how good he would be ... Chairperson of the Year:story_article_right2Thoko Didiza (ANC, House chairperson): By far the best presiding officer. In a year in which parliament dissolved into scenes of disorder, Didiza was the most calming influence.No-nonsense but fair, she regularly managed to pull sittings back to safety when they teetered on the edge of chaos. Other presiding officers need to ask themselves why she gets it right. And the reasons are simple: she displays impeccable manners, never loses her cool, does not dither over decisions, and brings a much-needed modicum of objectivity to the chair.Runner-up:Joan Fubbs (ANC, trade and industry): Much-loved and more than a trifle unconventional, she can keep a meeting on track. She gives the opposition time to state their view, even if they get outvoted in the end. And she has figured out a way to silence the EFF's Chatty Cathy, also known as Floyd Shivambu.In the tried and tested way of old-time teachers, she shuts up the class by naming him chairman when she's not there. And it works - Floyd is quite good in the chair!STmothapo-30-12-2015-12-12-04-525-.jpgAnna MajavuSpokesperson of the Year:Moloto Mothapo (ANC caucus): He is knowledgeable and always available. He does not take tough questions as a personal vendetta; rather, he thrives on them. Mothapo does not always require written questions because he knows what he is talking about. His sense of humour is also much appreciated, rare as it is among spokespersons.Runner-up:Sputnik Ratau (water and sanitation): Very knowledgeable and fast. He knows stuff. And he does not always need written questions. If you know your stuff, you can answer off the cuff.Parliamentary Speech of the Year:Mmusi Maimane (DA): The Broken Man speech in the state of the nation debate, the one day his light shone brightly in parliament. He sounded like he meant it. He sounded authentic. He captured the zeitgeist and wowed the country.Runner-up:President Jacob Zuma (ANC): Reply to the state of the nation debate. The one day the president's authentic voice came through. He nailed the right wing and did not just read other people's words falteringly. Even opposition MPs called his performance presidential.Honourable mention:David Maynier (DA): The debate on the mini-budget was an excellent example of an opposition MP giving an option on state spending. He served notice of the start of budget politics in South Africa: "We are on a collision course with National Treasury and I want them to listen carefully: I am not your galley slave; if you want a war, that's fine, but know this: you have come to the right place, and you will lose, and you will lose badly."We say: Bring it on!Portfolio Committee of the Year:Energy: Ably chaired by ANC MP Fikile Majola and blessed with some talented and open-minded MPs on both sides of the aisle, it produced a budget report, supported by all parties attending the committee, which opened up the possibility of some transparency in the way the government plans to solve the energy crisis, notably on nuclear new build, which could bankrupt the country. Now to follow through and keep the minister and her department to those deadlines!Runner-up:Subcommittee on rules: The chairman, Richard Mdakane of the ANC, deserves a special award for patience. The committee has a vast task, which must be successful for parliament to work optimally. The new rules seem an improve-ment on the old and should serve parliament well.joubertj@sundaytimes.co.za..