South Africa’s National Assembly is likely to remain in Cape Town after Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has offered the Council Chambers to the Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula following the fire that ripped through the historic building on Sunday, January 2.
According to Hill-Lewis, he has been in contact with the Speaker of Parliament, to offer immediate assistance so that the work of Parliament can continue.
“Cape Town will make our Council Chamber available to the Speaker for sittings of the National Assembly, as well as the use of the Grand Parade and City Hall for the State of the Nation Address. We want to see Parliament continue its important work, and we will do what we can to help,” Hill-Lewis said.
Also read: Parliament fire reignites
Hill-Lewis further extended his gratitude towards the City of Cape Town firefighters who responded so quickly to save as much of Parliament as possible.
“They deservedly earned the praise of President Cyril Ramaphosa in his press conference, and they no doubt have the thanks of the country too,” Hill-Lewis explained.
Meanwhile, the man who is allegedly responsible for the fire at Parliament is expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, January 4.
According to the Hawks, the 49-year-old suspect was arrested after he was caught with the stolen property after he gained entry to the parliamentary precinct. Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Nomthandazo Mbambo said the man is expected to face charges under the National Key Point Act as well as counts of housebreaking, theft and arson.
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