Things To Do in Cape Town CentralAttend a Parliamentary Session
Where? Collect tickets at Room 006 Upperground Floor, 90 Plein Street. The public galleries are in New Wing and NCOP Buildings. Enter Parliament via the Visitors Centre entrance, 120 Plein Street, Cape Town.
When? Daily from January to June. Tickets are available from From 09:00 to 17:00 on the day of the sitting. Tours should be booked at least one week in advance by telephone.
How? Call +27 (0)21 403-2266
How much? Free
Overnight? Stay at accommodation in Cape Town Central, in Western Cape
The city of Cape Town, despite not being the capital of South Africa, is home to South Africa’s Parliament (Cape Town is the legislative capital), whilst the seat of government is in Pretoria, the administrative capital. Visitors can sit in the public gallery during parliamentary sessions in Cape Town between January and June. There are guided tours though the buildings during the week. Tour options available include a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament (including historical background and an explanation of how Parliament works). You can observe debates from the public galleries in the National Assembly or National Council of Provinces, attend a Public Hearing or committee meeting.
Tickets for observing debates from the public galleries of both the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) can be obtained, free of charge, from the Public Relations Office. Note: You need to have your passport with you in order to attend.
