By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Department of Public Works on Friday handed over a refurbished dome tent to Parliament after ten weeks of work to turn it into a suitable makeshift chamber.
The Dome was originally used for the funeral of former President Nelson Mandela in 2013.
It will be used for National Assembly sittings, including the upcoming debate and reply to the State of the Nation Address (Sona). However, Sona itself will still take place on Thursday, 12 February, at the nearby Cape Town City Hall.
Speaking at the briefing attended by officials from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure minister Dean Macpherson, said the handover was not just about the continuation of Parliament’s work, and his department’s role in that, “it’s about ensuring that even in the face of unexpected disruption from the fire, the work of the National Assembly and MPs continues in a manner that is safe, dignified, fit for purpose and open to the public”.
Macpherson said: “In practical terms, the work completed here has focused on ensuring that the Dome is suitable for day-to-day realities of Parliament and in Cape Town. Firstly, there was a clear need to ensure that the structure could withstand Cape Town’s notorious weather conditions and wind.
“Secondly, Parliament requires an environment where debate can take place clearly, where proceedings can be heard without disruption and where members and staff can work efficiently and effectively – and so sound quality matters not only for those inside the venue but for the integrity of parliamentary recordings and for the public record, “he said
Improved soundproofing will now ensure everyone is able to hear properly.
“Thirdly and importantly, the Dome had to be compliant with operational standard requirements for parliamentary sittings as well as safety standards,” he said.
Macpherson said the Dome has a life span of 10 years and could, therefore, be utilised afterwards as a government asset.
“We cannot afford as a country to treat major public infrastructure as a single-purpose expense that lies dormant when it’s not in use. South Africa’s balance sheet is under pressure, and every rand must work harder,” he said.
The refurbishment of the Dome, which is located between Roeland and Commercial streets in Cape Town, across the road from Parliament, was completed in 10 weeks.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, “The completion of the refurbished Dome today marks a significant milestone in the recovery, resilience and reward efforts of Parliament following the 2022 fire that damaged parts of the parliamentary precinct.”
“The project reflects a collaborative partnership between Parliament and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to deliver a functional, secure and fit-for-purpose parliamentary facility capable of supporting Parliament in fulfilling its constitutional obligations.”
Following the devastating fire on 2 January 2022, in which the National Assembly and parts of the Old Assembly burnt down, Parliament has been trying to find alternative venues for sittings, including the City Hall or the Cape Town International Convention Centre, while the rebuilding takes place. Reconstruction work is expected to be complete by 2027.