Parliament fire rebuild still underway, costs double original estimate

It has been four years since the devastating fire which swept through Parliament, burning for three days.

The fire severely affected both the Old Assembly and the National Assembly buildings of Parliament.

Suspect Zandile Mafe was accused arson but after being diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia was declared unfit to stand trial.

Political analyst Prof Ntsikelelo Breakfast believes Mafe was the fall guy for the crime.

"I don't think he's the responsible person...it was a by-product of the factional battles within."

In November, the price tag of the post-fire reconstruction and rebuild was set at R4.6 billion, double the original estimate in 2023.

The rebuild is set for completion by November 2026.

"One would have expected it to have been completed by now."

We have to have Parliament ready, so the work of Parliament can be done, said Breakfast.

To listen to Prof Ntsikelelo Breakfast in conversation with Mongezi Koko on The Money Show, click audio below: