“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
WATCH: Parliament fire — suspect being questioned says Ramaphosa
Image: Supplied
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
Fire sparks concern over parliament opening and state of nation address
Parliament on fire and flames have reached roof, City of Cape Town says
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