South Africa’s long-running effort to rebuild Parliament is entering a crucial phase, with R2.43 billion already spent and officials working towards getting the National Assembly ready for next year’s major parliamentary events, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The update came during a meeting of the Joint Standing Committee on the Financial Management of Parliament on Friday, 7 August 2026, after members inspected progress at the Cape Town parliamentary precinct.
The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), which is overseeing the project as the implementing agent, told the committee that construction of the National Assembly building is now 76% complete.
That progress has renewed hopes that the building will be ready to host the next State of the Nation Address (Sona) and Budget Speech, despite the wider reconstruction project now carrying a revised completion date of June 2027.
A rebuild born from a devastating fire
The reconstruction project dates back to 2 January 2022, when a devastating fire ripped through Parliament, causing extensive damage to the National Assembly and Old Assembly buildings.
Construction eventually began in March 2023, but the project has encountered several challenges along the way.
Some of the delays have been caused by conditions that could not easily have been anticipated before construction began. These include underground water, hard rock beneath the new chamber and extensive waterproofing requirements.
The Old Assembly building has brought another layer of complexity because of its heritage status. Asbestos and other unexpected site conditions have also added pressure to the original construction schedule.
National Assembly chamber takes shape
One of the biggest milestones is the progress inside the new National Assembly chamber.
Once complete, the chamber is expected to accommodate 501 Members of Parliament, together with 98 representatives from Chapter 9 institutions and the judiciary during important joint sittings.
The public will also have space to attend proceedings, with two public galleries designed to accommodate 300 visitors each.
That capacity will be particularly significant for events such as the Sona, when Parliament becomes the centre of national political attention and Cape Town welcomes political leaders, officials, media and visitors from across South Africa.
R4.68bn project remains within budget
Despite the delays, the committee was encouraged by the financial position of the project.
The overall budget stands at R4.68 billion. About R2.5 billion has been allocated to the restoration of the National Assembly, while approximately R1.55 billion is earmarked for the Old Assembly building.
By June 2026, around R2.43 billion, or 52% of the overall budget, had been spent.
Committee co-chairperson Sanny Ndhlovu said members were encouraged by both the construction progress and the fact that spending remained within the approved budget.
The site visit also allowed committee members to compare the progress reported during briefings with what was actually happening on the ground.
The real test is still ahead
While the progress is significant, Parliament’s rebuild is far from finished.
The committee is expected to continue examining the revised deadlines, outstanding risks and expenditure as the project moves towards its new June 2027 completion target.
Acting co-chairperson Cameron Dugmore stressed the importance of continued oversight, pointing to the scale of the project and the amount of public money being invested in restoring Parliament.
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Picture: Brenton Geach / Gallo Images
