National Assembly secures temporary venue amid restoration

National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has directed parliamentary staff to secure a temporary venue for physical Parliament sittings while the fire-damaged chamber is restored.

This decision follows the EFF’s call for exclusive physical sessions instead of hybrid ones or renting Cape Town City Hall, which required advance booking.

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Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi, an EFF MP, emphasised the unfairness of MPs returning from recess without knowing the venue’s fate, according to IOL.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECURES TEMPORARY VENUE AMID CHAMBER RESTORATION

Mapisa-Nqakula issued a directive to Parliament’s secretary and National Assembly Secretary Masibulele Xaso, giving them until March 2024 to find a suitable venue.

Starting 1 April, operations should shift to a physical format, regardless of the venue’s location, according to Mapisa-Nqakula.

While acknowledging potential costs, Mapisa-Nqakula assured that they would receive a report on the chosen temporary venue for sittings.

“Parliament has been holding the joint sittings for the State of the Nation Address (Sona) and budget day at the City Hall since the fire gutted the chambers in January 2022.”

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She emphasised the need for a stable arrangement to cater to their needs until the Parliament restoration is complete, addressing difficulties in organizing a venue for each sitting.

Joint sittings for the State of the Nation Address and budget day have been at City Hall since the chamber fire in January 2022.

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The Cape of Good Hope building hosted some sessions, with virtual attendance by MPs.

Mapisa-Nqakula urged the staff to secure a venue for post-2024 Sona and budget sessions, ensuring stability beyond the restoration period.

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