CAPE TOWN | President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed one person is being held for questioning after a fire broke out in parliament in the morning hours of Sunday.
Ramaphosa arrived at parliament shortly after 1pm to inspect the damage, accompanied by Western Cape premier Alan Winde and public works minister Patricia de Lille.
“We must be thankful the offices have not burned to the ground. Everyone acted with speed, and we are thankful that everyone mobilised. There are certain things that do work,” he said.
Ramaphosa described as “devastating” the news of the fire, especially a day after Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s funeral.
“It’s just really a terrible setback. The Arch would’ve been devastated as well. This is a place he supported and prayed for.”
He said the city’s firefighters should be praised for their efficient service.
“They intervened at the right time. Their appearance has saved a critical national key point,” Ramaphosa said.
Meanwhile, the calls for Parliament to be relocated to Gauteng, Tshwane has gained momentum following the breaking of fire in national assembly.
We all should agree that instead of repairing this colonial establishment, @ParliamentofRSA must be relocated to a central and easily accessible area where the administrative Capital is. Keeping parliament in Cape Town is plainly illogical! The pillar is One Capital City! pic.twitter.com/hMLjoTc828
— Floyd Shivambu (@FloydShivambu) January 2, 2022
The EFF second command, Floyd Shivambu said few years ago that Parliament is supposed to move to Gauteng. To be accessible by all from different provinces, however, in the meeting of chief whip forum the speaker said it will take ten years for the process to be finalised.
He argued on Sunday that keeping Parliament in Cape Town is illogical.
“We all should agree that instead of repairing this colonial establishment, Parliament of RSA must be relocated to a central and easily accessible area where the administrative Capital is. Keeping Parliament in Cape Town is plainly illogical! The pillar is One Capital City!,” Shivambu said.
However, many believes it will save cost for traveling and dining during addresses.
Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane is among those who are calling on relocation of Parliament. She reiterated her call this afternoon on Twitter about the need to move the national assembly.
PURSUIT MEDIA SA
