Firefighters have been applauded for putting out a blaze which nearly destroyed parliament.
On Wednesday government officials held a small thanksgiving ceremony at the Roeland Street Fire Station.
The firemen had worked around the clock for two days to save the national key point.
The fire broke out on Sunday morning at 6am and by the afternoon, the police apprehended suspected arsonist 49-year-old Zandile Christmas Mafe.
National Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Chairman of the National Council of Provinces Amos Masondo, Premier Alan Winde, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and City’s Safety and Security boss JP Smith got together to thank the men who helped save the National Assembly.
Hill-Lewis said: “I thought it was important to get this little group together and say our thanks as individuals, the mayor, speaker and the chairman of the NCOP and premier.
“But really we speak on behalf of the country when we convey our thanks to you each as the City’s firefighters.
“On Tuesday, I called the president so he could be here as well, but unfortunately he had to receive the first draft of the Zondo report in Tshwane, but he told me he would have loved to be here and told me to convey his sincere thanks to you as well.”
Mapisa-Nqakula said: “On Sunday morning our country literally woke up to a dark cloud...
“An incident so devastating for our country’s democracy left us almost paralysed and saddened.
“The institution of Parliament, the symbol of our unity and freedom, was on fire.
“On behalf of our Parliament leadership, our head of state, and the nation, we thank you.
“We also want to thank your families for accepting that they share both you and your love for them, with the nation.
“The blaze is now down and extinguished, but our gratitude to you is eternal.
“We want to thank the governance structures of the city under the mayor, and the commanders of the fire brigade for the sterling leadership you have given and for co-ordinating between us.”