South Africa’s Public Affairs Minister has confirmed that the fire that broke out in the Parliament complex in Cape Town on Sunday morning has spread to the National assembly.
Initially, the fire was set in the old assembly building, in the chambers of the National National Council of Provinces, but then spread to the national assembly hall.
“Right now we have the situation under control. We will continue to investigate as to the cause of the fire. For now, where it is burning, we have contained the fire in the National Council of Provinces. The fire is currently in the National Assembly chambers, where we are also busy to contain that. This is a very sad day for our democracy because parliament is the home of our democracy”, said Patricia de Lille, South African Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure.
Lawyer Steve Swart assured that the fire would not interfere with the normal work of members of parliament.
“I just want to assure that the Members of Parliament will be in their positions, fully functioning, despite the fact that this stage appears like a tragedy, but confidently, assured the MP.
President Cyril Ramaphosa and most of the high-ranking politicians were in Cape Town on Saturday for the funeral service of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, which took place St. George’s Cathedral.
Africa Watch 24 