South Africa’s parliament complex in Cape Town has been handed over to the local Maziya General Services for rebuilding works.

In January 2022, a fire blazed through the assembly building, gutting the adjacent old assembly wing and a building linking the two, causing the roof to collapse and destroying the offices of members of parliament and staff. A man has been charged with terrorism and arson.

South Africa parliament complex following 2022 fireSource: Parliament

During the site handover ceremony on 9 May, parliamentary officials clarified that the first phase of the Rand 2 billion (US$108.7 million) reconstruction will cover the clearance and removal of the fire-damaged sections of the buildings. The second phase will see the main rebuilding works executed, beginning by the end of August, with completion targeted within two years.

The works on the national assembly and old assembly buildings will largely leave the spatial configuration intact, rehabilitating, stabilising and reinstating structural systems to recreate the previously existing buildings. The interiors will be reconstructed with a new design aesthetic. The work on the Link building, which was severely damaged, will mainly involve restorative measures given the heritage value of the building.

According to parliament, the new spaces will embrace current architectural techniques and designs while blending the heritage of the past with the expectations for a diverse, representative and democratic parliament.

Rendering of new South African parliament complexSource: ParliamentScope of parliament rebuilding worksSource: Parliament

Parliament took over responsibility for managing the project in March 2023, appointing the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) to lead the project.

Limited debris clearance and stabilisation work in safe areas was undertaken during 2023, along with the installation of temporary roofs to protect the buildings from the weather. Assets were also recovered for offsite storage.

DBSA is working with other stakeholders such as the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure and the National Treasury.