Opposition says a functioning parliament is important despite cost implications

Opposition parties said while they are concerned about the R30 million cost involved in setting up a make-shift structure to serve as a National Assembly chamber, it’s important for a functioning parliament.

On Friday, a refurbished dome tent was handed to Parliament after ten weeks of work to make it suitable for plenary sittings while new Parliament buildings are under construction following the 2022 fire.

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In 2025, Members of Parliament (MPs) complained that the dome was an uncomfortable space and unsafe on bad weather days.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works Dean Macpherson said the reinforced venue has the potential to be hired out during the recess periods and eventually when it’s no longer needed by Parliament to generate money for the state.

From being too hot, to too cold - MPs were less than impressed with their new workspace in 2025 when poor acoustics affected debate and high winds frequently battered the tent skins.

On Friday, party representatives were taken through the reinforced structure by the Department of Public Works.

It’s expected to open its doors after the State of the Nation Address (SONA) is delivered at the Cape Town City Hall.

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party’s Wesley Douglas said while it remains to be seen whether the reinforcements will withstand the weather, the cost needs to be weighed against the benefits.

“To have all our members back in one space until Parliament is actually built and our final building is better, I think is a win for us so we can serve the people of the country much better.”

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)’s Carl Niehaus agrees, saying his party will probe whether the expenditure has been worth it.

“While on the one hand it is very important that we must have a facility that’s adequate, it’s just as important that we must not be involved in wasteful expenditure.”

Parliament said if the National Treasury wants to table Budget 2026 in an alternate space as has been requested, it will have to foot the bill.