Restoration work in the buildings gutted by fire in Parliament is expected to be completed in 20 months' time.
Image: Phando Jikelo / Independent Newspapers
The reconstruction of parliament can now officially begin. This is following the successful demolition of the fire-ravaged National Assembly and Old Assembly buildings by Maziya General Services.
The demolition phase faced multiple delays due to unforeseen challenges, including above-average rainfall in the region and complications arising from the absence of “as-built” drawings, which impacted the demolition methodology. Despite these hurdles, Maziya was able to finish the job on schedule, a feat that has drawn praise from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI).
Importantly, Maziya’s competitive bid for the demolition work came in significantly lower than the other bidders, saving taxpayers hundreds of millions of rands. The other companies who submitted bids for the project included well-known industry players like Raubex Construction and Stefanutti Stocks.
However, Maziya General Services stood out for its cost-effective approach without compromising on quality or efficiency.
Xolile George, Secretary to Parliament, emphasised that while Maziya had been involved in the PRASA contract, which has recently drawn scrutiny, Parliament was not responsible for selecting contractors.
The Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA), which has been tasked with overseeing the restoration of Parliament, handled the selection process independently. In February, an unidentified whistleblower wrote to Transport Minister Barbara Creecy alleging that Maziya had received the Prasa contract irregularly. In March a whistleblower naming himself as Thembinkosi Pulu, a District Secretary of the SACP in the Vaal District, retracted his whistleblower's statement.
The fire, which gutted the National Assembly and Old Assembly buildings in 2022, triggered the urgent need for restoration work to restore these critical spaces to their original function. The project, initially expected to be completed sooner, faced setbacks, but the timely demolition now paves the way for reconstruction to begin in earnest. The new National Assembly will be handed over to Raubex Construction on Monday to commence work, with an expected completion date set for October 2026.
The DBSA also provided an update on other aspects of the restoration, revealing that 155 offices for Members of Parliament (MPs) have been completed, along with two boardrooms. Additionally, efforts are underway to create new office spaces for MPs, open-plan areas for support staff, and committee rooms, including a new facility on 90 Plein Street. To date, the project has generated 850 jobs and has hired 27 Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), further contributing to economic activity in the region.
Despite the earlier demolition delays, the restoration is now poised to move forward with momentum. Parliamentary officials have reassured the public that the reconstruction work will continue as planned, with stringent oversight to ensure no further delays occur. The DBSA will remain responsible for managing the progress of the project and will coordinate with the relevant contractors to ensure that the buildings are restored to their full function by the deadline.
As the demolition stage wraps up and the rebuilding process begins, Maziya General Services’ efficiency and cost-effective approach have earned significant praise, particularly for its role in saving taxpayers a substantial sum.
As the restoration of Parliament continues, the public and MPs alike will be keenly watching the project’s progress, with the hope that it will serve as a model for future government contracts.