WATCH | Suspect being questioned over parliament fire, says Ramaphosa
02 January 2022 - 14:43
byTIMESLIVE
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses media outside the parliament after a fire broke out, Cape Town, South Africa, January 2 2022. Picture: REUTERS/SUMAYA HISHAM
President Cyril Ramaphosa says one person is being held for questioning after a fire broke out in parliament in the early hours of Sunday.
Ramaphosa arrived at parliamentshortly after 1pm to inspect the damage accompanied by Western Cape premier Alan Winde and public works minister Patricia de Lille.
"This is devastating news it's a terrible and devastating event" President Cyril Ramaphosa speaking at @ParliamentofRSA following the fire that broke out this morning pic.twitter.com/14ZKZjw5Wt
“We must be thankful the offices have not burned to the ground. Everyone acted with speed and we are thankful that everyone mobilised. There are certain things that do work,” he said. Ramaphosa described as “devastating” the news of the fire, especially a day after Archbishop Desmond Tutu's funeral.
“It's just really a terrible setback. The Arch would've been devastated as well. This is a place he supported and prayed for.”
He said the city’s firefighters should be praised for their efficient service.
“They intervened at the right time. Their appearance has saved a very important national key point.”
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
WATCH | Suspect being questioned over parliament fire, says Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa says one person is being held for questioning after a fire broke out in parliament in the early hours of Sunday.
Ramaphosa arrived at parliament shortly after 1pm to inspect the damage accompanied by Western Cape premier Alan Winde and public works minister Patricia de Lille.
“We must be thankful the offices have not burned to the ground. Everyone acted with speed and we are thankful that everyone mobilised. There are certain things that do work,” he said. Ramaphosa described as “devastating” the news of the fire, especially a day after Archbishop Desmond Tutu's funeral.
“It's just really a terrible setback. The Arch would've been devastated as well. This is a place he supported and prayed for.”
He said the city’s firefighters should be praised for their efficient service.
“They intervened at the right time. Their appearance has saved a very important national key point.”
TimesLIVE
Patricia de Lille describes fire at parliament as a “sad day for democracy”
Fire at parliament has spread to another building
Fire sparks concern over parliament opening and state of nation address
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most Read
Published by Arena Holdings and distributed with the Financial Mail on the last Thursday of every month except December and January.