The controversial proposal to move parliament from Cape Town to Tshwane is back on the table.
The speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, said in her budget speech on parliament on Tuesday that a presentation would be made on a 2018 feasibility study on the relocation of parliament from Cape Town to Tshwane. The report deals with the social and economic implications of such a move. It will be handed for discussion to the chief whips’ forum, which represents the political parties.
“The report will be shared with members of parliament before a decision is taken on the future seat of parliament,” Mapisa-Nqakula said. But she said that in terms of the constitution the seat of parliament is in Cape Town.
“Let us not be subjected to pressure on this matter. This is a matter that will be decided by the nation. Not even parliamentarians will take a decision on the matter. We will have to find a way when that time comes of ensuring that South Africans have a voice when we deal with the matter.”
Parliament’s proceedings were disrupted this year by the fire in the building. It is still not clear how long repairs will take and what they will cost.
The damage compelled portfolio committees to hold virtual or hybrid meetings. The National Assembly is sitting in the Good Hope Chamber, which can accommodate only 120 social-distancing MPs.
Mapisa-Nqakula said “there still remains a need to create additional space to accommodate full sittings for all members of the National Assembly and the joint sittings of parliament”.
“Parliament is considering various options for the alternative accommodation for sittings,” she said. Finding an alternative venue would incur “huge costs”.
A technical team is evaluating the possibility of constructing a modular structure in the parliamentary precinct for these sittings.
Discussions were under way with the National Treasury regarding “the various spending requirements for the business continuity of parliament following the fire disaster”, the speaker said.
She addressed concern media expressed that amendments to the Electoral Act to allow for independent candidates — now being processed by parliament’s home affairs committee — placed the 2024 general elections at risk.
“We must state categorically that there is no justification at all for recent attempts by some to cause public panic by suggesting that the general elections of 2024 are at risk.” She hoped that President Cyril Ramaphosa would assent to the bill before the end of this year.
“I want to assure the public that both houses of parliament are committed to processing this bill timeously whilst at the same time taking into account the necessity for thorough public consultation on a matter of such importance to our democratic dispensation.”
Parliament has asked the Constitutional Court for a six-month extension of the two years it was given to pass an amendment bill. The two years expire on June 10.
Dealing with parliament’s budget allocation, Mapisa-Nqakula said it is “very clear if steps are not taken in correcting the allocation and reducing expenditure a significant budget shortfall could occur in the 2024/2025 financial year”.
Parliament’s budget allocation in 2022/2023 was about R2.68bn compared with the R2.76bn it asked for, creating a shortfall of R74m that would have to be funded by retained earnings and revenue.
ensorl@businesslive.co.za
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