The parliamentary building in Cape Town was on fire on Sunday morning and according to media reports, large flames and a huge column of smoke were seen at around 5:30 am.
Officials told EWN that the fire was on the third floor and initial reports indicated that it started in the office section and was spreading near the gymnasium.
Parliament’s Presiding Officers have confirmed the blaze.
The cause of the fire has not yet been established and investigations are underway by the relevant authorities.
Parliament says in a statement the fire has affected both the Old Assembly Wing and the National Assembly Wing of the buildings of Parliament, which house the chambers of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces.
National Assembly Speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Amos Masondo, have expressed their appreciation to the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services for their prompt reaction to contain the fire and limit the damage as much as possible.
