The Joint Standing Committee on the financial management of Parliament will tomorrow (Friday) carry out a site inspection of the newly completed Nieuwmeester Dome to evaluate its readiness to host parliamentary sittings.
After years of disruption caused by the 2022 fire parliamentary debates will now be held in the newly refurbished Dome at the Parliamentary Precinct, upgraded at a cost of approximately R30 million.
It was officially handed over by Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson on Friday 6 February.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, accepted the Dome at the handover ceremony.
Macpherson said he was proud of the work done by engineers to reinforce the Dome, which was first used for the funeral of former President Nelson Mandela in 2013.
The timing of the handover is significant, as the Dome is set to host several key events this month, including National Assembly sittings, the debate on the State of the Nation Address, the president’s reply to the debate and the National Budget Speech.
The fire of January 2022 caused severe damage to the Parliamentary Precinct and disrupted the normal functioning of Parliament.
Since then, Parliament has had to secure alternative venues in order to continue its sittings, oversight responsibilities, and the work that keeps South Africa’s constitutional democracy alive.
The Nieuwmeester Dome, located at the corner of Roeland and Plein streets, has now been repurposed for an equally important national task, providing a temporary stable and secure venue for parliamentary sittings while the permanent home of the National Assembly is restored.
The refurbishment focused on strengthening the structure’s resilience and improving its overall durability so that it can function reliably through different seasons. Attention was also given to creating an environment where debate can take place clearly, where proceedings can be heard without disruption, and where members and staff can work effectively.
Sound quality formed a key part of the upgrade. Improved soundproofing and acoustic performance were introduced to ensure the integrity of parliamentary proceedings and the public record. The Dome was also required to comply with the operational standards necessary for parliamentary sittings.
“When Parliament is not sitting this facility has the potential to be used as an events and conferencing venue in a controlled manner,” said Macpherson, “aligned with security and operational requirements, and through a proper process that protects the integrity of the site while generating additional income.”
Following approval in September 2024 the Dome was installed as a state-owned, reusable facility designed to host National Assembly sittings, joint sittings and other high-level national events during the reconstruction period.
“The project reflects a collaborative partnership between Parliament and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to deliver a functional, secure and fit-for-purpose parliamentary facility, capable of supporting Parliament in fulfilling its constitutional obligations to the people of South Africa,” Didiza pointed out.
She added the handover allows Parliament to move ahead with the final phase of technical readiness.
“This includes the installation and commissioning of audio-visual and broadcasting infrastructure, ICT systems and official parliamentary branding to ensure the Dome is fully operational for sittings of the National Assembly and other parliamentary business.”
The Dome will serve as a secure, fit-for-purpose and dignified temporary home for the National Assembly at a time when Parliament must continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities without interruption.
Hiring external venues for parliamentary sittings is projected to cost an estimated R48 million per year, with no residual value, while the Dome represents a once-off investment and remains a reusable national asset for future parliamentary and state use.
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