Cape Town - It’s all systems go for the historic dome used for late president Nelson Mandela's funeral to be used as the National Assembly’s temporary venue for the next two years, at a cost of between R12 and 13 million.
This, as the design for the rebuilding of Parliament takes shape.
On December 18, 2024, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) said the dome was expected to be erected within 24 days in preparation of the 2025 Opening of Parliament and State of the Nation Address, proposed to take place in February.
Lennox Mabaso, DPWI spokesperson, told the Cape Argus on Monday it was all systems go for the dome, but more details would be revealed closer to the opening.
“Our cost for construction is around 12 to 13 million,” he said.
“The structure will be permanent, weather resilient, until the burnt Parliament is completed.
“The dome will be there for two years and will save a lot of hiring venue costs.
“We will speak about the details of the Parliament construction in our media briefing.
“Work has commenced.
“The dome is the same used at former President Mandela’s send off.”
Earlier, DPWI Director-General, Sifiso Mdakane, witnessed the site handover for the new interim home for Parliament.
The dome is expected to be erected at the Nieuwmeester Parking Site within the Parliamentary Precinct.
Eight, twelve-metre containers were used to transport and carry all the necessary accessories and parts, which were transported from the Defence Force storage facility in Pretoria to Cape Town.
The project is being overseen by the Chief Professional Architect from the Prestige Unit of the DPWI and construction experts.
In September 2024, DPWI together with Parliament carried-out a public participation process, asking for input in the design and shaping of the new building after sharing artists and architectural drawings.
The project includes the refurbishment of the Old Assembly building, the link building and National Assembly building, removal of the rubble to pave the way for detailed assessments to be conducted and to remodel 155 MP offices.
Parliament is set to refurbish the fourth and fifth floors and redesign the first, second and third floors of the 90 Plein Street building to create alternative office space for both Members and employees of Parliament.
The committee had also previously also welcomed a R900 million budget for the modernisation of the infrastructure.