According to Secretary to Parliament Xolile George, renovations for the National Assembly, which was damaged by fire, are well underway.
Also read: Alleged Parliament arsonist misses court for the third time
The Development Bank of Southern Africa will oversee the rebuilding which is predicted to costs R2 billion and be complete by 2025.
The renovations will also include technology upgrades. According to George, “The restoration project provides a unique opportunity to ensure spaces are designed in a manner that best suits the specific needs of a democratic parliament and to modernise the institution’s digital infrastructure.”
Hybrid meetings consisting of virtual and in-person meetings are being implemented in the meantime by members of the executive whose offices were destroyed by the fire.
Huge gatherings have had to be such as the recent state of the nation address had to be held at Cape Town City Hall.
A suspect has been arrested and charged for the fire – Zandile Christmas Mafe (50). Mafe has missed three court appearances.
According to EWN, the suspect refused to undergo a psychological evaluation at Valkenberg Hospital on 10 February 2023.
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Picture: Cape{town} Etc Library