Cape Town’s City Hall officially handed over to Parliament
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has officially handed over the Cape Town City Hall to Parliament on Monday.
Monday marks three weeks since South African’s woke up to the devastating news of the fire that engulfed parts of the parliamentary building, causing extensive damage.
National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said while the fire created a great loss, City Hall is a “suitable facility”.
“One of the greatest losses in this destruction is the loss of the National Assembly chamber.
“However, we have found the City Hall to be the most suitable facility, meeting all the parliamentary requirements regarding infrastructure and capacity.”
Mapisa-Nqakula added that the option is also affordable as they won’t be paying any rent.
“It was also an affordable option as the mayor has promised that not a cent will be paid by Parliament to conduct its business.”
Meanwhile, Hill-Lewis said it’s very symbolic that the State of the Nation Address will be held at City Hall due to its historical significance.
“SONA will be held on the 10th of February and of course the 11th of February is the anniversary of this buildings most famous moment, when Nelson Mandela addressed the nation and the world for the very first time as free man on the 11th of February 1990.
“On that day when he addressed the world from the balcony just behind us, that day represented so much hope and optimism for our country.”
Mapisa-Nqakula added that all rules and laws that applied in Parliament will now apply at this hall until 17th of February.
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