Public Works & Infrastructure Mimister Dean Macpherson has expressed his satisfaction with the completion of the dome for the National Assembly sittings in Cape Town, ahead of the State of the Nation Address replies this week.

The department constructed the dome at the request of the National Assembly to temporarily house sittings, while the original building that was destroyed in a fire, was rebuilt.

“As the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure, we have successfully repurposed this structure, which had remained idle for many years, to help Parliament save millions in costs while the reconstruction of the National Assembly chambers continues,” Macpherson said in a statement on Monday.

“The structure, now equipped with a new roof sail and structural reinforcements, will allow the National Assembly to hold sittings uninterrupted in all weather conditions.”

He said this would also enable members of the public to witness the proceedings in person for the first time in many years.

Macpherson commended his team, particularly director-general Sifiso Mdakane for his exceptional leadership in overseeing the implementation process.

“The director-general and his team worked tirelessly, including through the December holiday period to ensure that the project was completed on time for Parliamentary sittings. We extend our sincere thanks to them for their dedication,” he said.

The minister expressed his commitment to continue working with Parliament to ensure the successful functioning of the dome in the coming weeks and months.

He said this would enable Parliament to fulfil its vital role of holding the executive accountable, a function that was severely hampered by the Covid-19 pandemic and the fire that damaged the National Assembly chambers.

“The dome project demonstrates that the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure can act with speed and precision when required,” Macpherson added.

“We are eager to build on this momentum as we work to turn South Africa into a construction site in the months ahead.”

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Parliament is getting a new temporary home for the next 24 months, while the original building that was destroyed in a fire is rebuilt.

Public Works and Infrastructure director-general Sifiso Mdakane witnessed the site handover for a dome installation in Cape Town on Wednesday.

Department spokesperson Lennox Mabaso said it would be at the Niewmeester parking site within the Parliamentary Precinct. 

He said the dome set up was expected to take 24 days to complete. It would be ready for the 2025 State of the Nation Address and opening of Parliament in February.

The project has the blessing of both National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and the Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson.

Mabaso said the structure would save the state a lot of money in terms of accommodating Parliament for the next two years.

He said twelve metre containers, carrying all the necessary accessories and parts, which were transported from Defence Force storage facility in Pretoria to Cape Town, have been handed over to commence construction.

The project is being overseen by the chief professional architect from the Prestige Unit of the department as well as construction experts.

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