Nieuwmeester Dome's refurbishment opens doors for events during parliamentary breaks

The Nieuwmeester Dome in Cape Town has been refurbished and is now set to enhance the city's event hosting capabilities following extensive renovations after a fire damaged parts of the parliamentary precinct in 2022.

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson announced the Dome's future during a handover ceremony to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza on Friday.

Macpherson stated that the Dome's purpose extends beyond merely providing shelter for plenary sittings during parliamentary sessions.

“It has the potential as an events and conferencing venue in a controlled manner aligned with security and operations through proper processes while generating additional revenue to offset its costs,” he said.

Macpherson also mentioned that his department would support a process of engaging with events and conferencing organisations regarding proposals on how the facility can be best utilised during parliamentary recess, as well as after Parliament has moved into the renovated buildings.

“We think there is a long term for this venue to generate additional income for the state. This is not about commercialising Parliament, but it is about ensuring state-owned assets are used responsibly and to reduce burden on the public purse.”

The Dome, refurbished internally at a cost of about R31.7 million — down from an initial projection of R39 million — boasts a 10-year lifespan following the upgrade. 

“I had discussions with the City of Cape Town. There is an absolute shortage of events and conferencing space in the city. This will be a prime opportunity for full-time events and conferencing,” said Macpherson.

Since the fire incident, Parliament has resorted to hiring alternative venues for crucial functions like the State of the Nation Address (SONA) and budgeting sessions — costs that have added up significantly.

The refurbishment took just two-and-a-half months to complete, ensuring that the new facility could be operational in time for SONA.

Department official Siyamthanda Ndwandwe described the renovation as “a very tireless and challenging experience”, as teams worked diligently through December and January to achieve the ambitious timeline

However, Ndwandwe said it was still work in progress.

“We are to add fine touches to ensure it is 100% of what it needs to be,” he said.

The Dome now includes a 500-seater chamber, a 165-seater gallery, back rooms, and improved facilities, making it fit for purpose. Enhanced sound quality and acoustics were a focus of the refurbishment, although Macpherson noted that as a tent structure, occasional noise disruptions may still occur.

“It is still a tent and there will be some noises from time to time. It is 100% better than it was before,” he said.

Didiza expressed satisfaction that Macpherson reflected on the use of the Dome during recess and when Parliament has gone to the buildings that are being restored.

“It was our view as Parliament that we can't leave infrastructure not being used for national purpose. It must serve the people of South Africa,” Didiza said, adding that the two state institutions would have to agree on the terms for the future usage of the Dome as they had shared costs in its refurbishment.

Macpherson said the Dome serves as a testament to resilience in the face of calamity, allowing the National Assembly and its Members of Parliament to resume their duties in a dignified, safe, and accessible environment.

“This Dome was delivered because it was requested and the department exists to support the functioning of the state. There was a clear need to ensure that the structure withstands Cape Town’s notorious weather conditions and wind.”

Didiza heralded the completion of the Dome as a critical moment in renewal efforts following the 2022 fire that damaged parts of the parliamentary precinct.

“We view the handover as a critical moment to ensure institutional continuity,” she said.

Meanwhile, this year's SONA will be held at the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday, followed by debate from February 17 and 18, and a reply by President Cyril Ramaphosa on February 19.

Parliament has budgeted R7m for SONA and the breakdown of the costs will be provided at a Joint Standing Committee of Financial Management of Parliament.

Didiza told party chief whips on Thursday that the Finance Minister has requested to table his Budget Speech in the City Hall.

“We have indicated to the minister, as Parliament, our budget is a shoe string. We may not be able to do so unless, as Treasury, they might have resources to ensure that venue is secured. There is a discussion between us and Minister of Finance.”

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