Yesterday, 2 January 2025, marked the third anniversary of the devastating fire that tore through South Africa’s Parliament in Cape Town, leaving a trail of destruction and forcing a massive reconstruction effort that could total over R3 billion, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The fire, which ignited in the early hours of 2 January 2022, severely damaged two of the Parliament’s most iconic buildings – the National Assembly and the Old Assembly Buildings. The flames raged for almost three days, with more than 300 firefighters battling to control the blaze. Both buildings, dating back to 1875, suffered extensive damage, including significant destruction to the National Assembly’s perimeter and upper floors of the Old Assembly.
The fire’s toll was not only on the physical structures but also on South Africa’s rich history housed within them. Parliament’s Secretary, Xolile George, expressed that the fire wiped out invaluable artworks and pieces of history that had long stood as symbols of the nation’s past and present.
‘The destruction was not just of bricks and mortar, but of the invaluable history that lived within these walls,’ George said, emphasising the significance of the lost heritage. After careful assessment, it was decided that rebuilding the buildings from the ground up would be the safest option, rather than simply restoring the damaged structures, which were deemed at risk of collapse.
The government has allocated R2 billion for the primary reconstruction of the buildings, with an additional R118 million set aside for unforeseen expenses. An extra R943 million will be dedicated to the modernization of the site, including the replacement of ICT infrastructure, bringing the total cost of the project to more than R3 billion.
This ambitious project is being overseen by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), following a thorough investigation and evaluation process. The reconstruction aims to meet both functional and practical needs, while incorporating cutting-edge technology and adhering to modern safety and environmental standards.
In addition to restoring the historic buildings, the project will expand the Assembly chamber and provide additional support spaces to meet the demands of a modern parliamentary system. George explained that the goal is to create a space that serves both contemporary South Africa’s needs and respects the site’s historical and cultural significance.
Work on the site has already begun, with the demolition of the most severely damaged sections known as the ‘red zone.’ However, as of May 2024, the timeline for the project has been revised, pushing the completion date from December 2025 to April 2026. While the entire project, including the installation of ICT and broadcasting infrastructure, is expected to wrap up by 30 May, 2026, some delays are still anticipated due to bureaucratic hurdles, including securing necessary permits from the South African Heritage Resources Agency.
During an August 2024 parliamentary meeting, concerns were raised about rising costs, the handover process to DBSA, and delays in the project’s timeline. Parliament has emphasized that public participation remains a vital component of the rebuilding process, ensuring that the community’s voice is heard in shaping the future of this important national space.
Also read:
Picture: Ashraf Hendricks / GroundUp
