Parliament, Friday, 7 November 2025 – The Joint Standing Committee on the Financial Management of Parliament (JSCFMP) on Thursday evening welcomed the visible progress made on the Rebuilding of Parliament project.
The meeting followed the committee’s first site visit to the construction site on Wednesday during the 7th Parliament. On Thursday, the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) provided members of the committee with a comprehensive overview of the status of the project, which includes the reconstruction of the National Assembly and Old Assembly buildings and the refurbishment of 90 Plein Street offices.
The committee noted the visible progress on site and commended the DBSA, which is the implementing partner, for what Members of the committee described as an informative and inspiring presentation and walkabout.
The committee was informed that the project is on track, with clear baselines, sustainable design principles and a strong socio-economic impact. The DBSA told Members of the committee that Parliament is expected to occupy a modern, climate-resilient and technologically integrated precinct by the end of November 2026, which will symbolise national renewal and institutional continuity.
Members, however, stressed the importance of clear and realistic timelines. Some members were concerned about what they called inconsistencies in the reported completion dates, as both December and November 2026 are cited.
Members also pressed for more clarity on costs. The committee noted that the overall cost of the reconstruction has increased from R2.2 billion, as recorded in 2024, to a current budget of R4.6 billion. The DBSA assured the committee that no cost overruns have been recorded, and all contracts remain within the approved budgetary parameters.
While recognising that the total budget includes work on both the National Assembly and Old Assembly projects as well as refurbishment of offices at 90 Plein Street, Members requested a detailed breakdown of how costs are distributed and whether design changes or inflation adjustments account for the variance.
Members further emphasised that South Africa’s transformation agenda should not be abandoned in the restoration of the buildings that will be the seat of Parliament of the People, and that black people and women should be appropriately and fairly represented in all aspects of the construction, including in the awarding of contracts associated with the project.
While the committee appreciated the progress made, Members stressed that effective communication on timelines, budgets and governance will be essential to maintaining public confidence in the project. The committee has requested that the DBSA submit a comprehensive schedule, budget breakdown and all necessary approval documents before its next briefing.
The Co-Chairperson of the committee, Ms Sanny Ndhlovu, welcomed the presentation, noting that the project is moving well and is on track. She said: “As a committee, we welcome the progress and work done and wish them well in their efforts. The committee stands ready to exercise its oversight role to ensure that the reconstruction of Parliament is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of safety, sustainability and accountability.”
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CO-CHAIRPERSON OF THE JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON THE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OF PARLIAMENT, MS SANNY NDHLOVU.
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Name: Alicestine October (Ms)
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E-mail: aoctober@parliament.gov.za
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