The multiple award-winning structure housing the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature may easily be mistaken for one of the Lowveld’s distinctive koppies – at least from a distance! Historically, Mpumalanga was administered from rented accommodation in 15 separate locations. The need to centralize all legislative and executive government functions was obvious, and so began a two-year process to select a site and build this remarkable architectural feat.
The building is also significant as it was one of the first major civic buildings to be commissioned in South Africa’s fledgling democracy, hence every effort was made to symbolically represent the spirit of the newly formed so-called Rainbow Nation within the building.
The Legislature essentially acts as a provincial parliament, and has its seat in the provincial capital of Nelspruit. The Legislature is constituted of 30 Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs), and is predominantly concerned with law-making, oversight of various faculties including budget approvals and accountability, and legislative implementation; as well as ensuring public participation and education on regional matters.
In its entirety, the building is both a homage to the traditional – and functional – design of rural African dwellings, and a tribute to the province it represents (Mpumalanga translates to ‘place of the rising sun’), as the sunlight casts warm hues of brown and red across the sloped clay and brick building.
It’s also an apt meeting point for the province’s leaders, with its symbolic positioning at the convergence of two rivers, the Crocodile and Nels.
Sitting adjacent to the Lowveld National Botanical Garden, the 90 000m2 building offers panoramic views that meld perfectly with the environmentally-friendly structure, making it a must-see attraction for any visitor to the region.
Solar shading, energy-efficient climatic control systems, the use of three different types of glass, plus renewable, cultivated timber and granite harvested and recycled from quarry wastage are among the architects’ endeavours to make a sustainable, low-impact space. Given the proximity to delicate riverine bush, an environmental management plan ensured the protection of certain trees, and that the pristine surrounding land was left untouched.
Visitors to the Provincial Legislature can also snap up a collection of souvenirs at the well-stocked souvenir shop.
Visit the official website of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature for more detailed information.
