Macpherson denies claims budget vote in limbo without a venue for MPs
This follows reports that the cost of renting out the dome is ballooning.
FILE: From left to right: Acting Western Cape Public Works MEC Anton Bredell, Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson and Deputy Public Works Minister Sihle Zikalala at MINMEC at Lagoon Beach on 5 November 2024. Picture: Phando Jikelo/Parliament
JOHANNESBURG - Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has denied claims that the budget vote could be in limbo without a venue for members of Parliament (MPs).
This follows reports that the cost of renting out the dome is ballooning.
The Department of Public Works made provision for Parliament to use the dome while the National Assembly is being rebuilt after it was gutted by a fire in January 2022.
Following Budget 2.0, the fiscal framework and revenue proposals, along with the Standing Committee on Finance’s report, are set to be tabled next week.
This is a critical step for the adoption of the highly contentious budget.
But a letter to MPs raised uncertainty about whether a venue would be available for a physical sitting.
Macpherson said the confusion has been cleared.
“We understand that somehow a letter was sent to Parliament to say the venue is no longer available. The DG and I intervened, and we have said the dome would be available for those important votes so that Parliament can meet in person. But at some point, we’re going to have to move into phase two, and hopefully, that will mean, as quickly as all those votes are done, we can then get into the permanent infrastructure. But there’s no issue, Parliament will be able to sit in person.”
The dome was installed in December for a 24-month period.
Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) is still scrambling to get support for the budget.