1875 The deep bunkers in Parliament’s belly

 

1875 The deep bunkers in Parliament’s belly

The underground secrets of Parliament are out. Beneath the chambers and offices from where South Africa is governed, lies an intriguing network of secret bolt-holes and escape routes, apparently built for the apartheid leaders of yesteryear.

In addition to the legendary cold, damp dungeons - they are indeed there - subterranean secrets include concealed passages and bunkers, a hidden lift and a mysterious stairway leading to the one-time prime minister's office.

Years ago, a tunnel, which is now partially flooded and blocked with mud, is believed to have linked Parliament to the Castle, where an embattled politician could seek refuge.

A one-person lift, apparently designed to whisk people such as former prime ministers Hendrik Verwoerd or John Vorster to the roof for evacuation by helicopter in an emergency, was discovered recently.

During the Vorster era, a reinforced underground tunnel was built from Parliament to the basement of 120 Plein Street, formerly the H F Verwoerd Building, where cabinet ministers had their offices.

A few years ago, workers of the Department of Public Works uncovered the shaft of a secret lift linking this tunnel to one of the auditoriums at 120 Plein Street.

Believed to be a secret escape lift to allow Vorster to reach the roof of 120 Plein Street, the lift shaft was found when workers started breaking up the concrete base in the auditorium on which a bust of Verwoerd had been mounted.

The secret lift, big enough to accommodate only one person, goes down two floors to the basement, where it links up with the tunnel between Parliament and 120 Plein Street. The lift is still there but no longer works.

Only metres from the old Senate building lies another secret hideaway. An underground tunnel, which leads into a large dungeon, is believed to have been built as an escape route during the Verwoerd era.

Entrance to the dungeon is gained by climbing down a steep steel ladder. A tunnel then leads into a large underground room, which at present is half filled with water.

Parliamentary security officers said that one of the side tunnels from the dungeon was believed to have led to the Castle.

Security officials said that during a dry summer period, workers had followed the tunnel for some distance but had to turn back because it was blocked with mud. But, parliamentary security official Dirk Genis said it is believed that the tunnel was linked to the Castle many years ago.

A less sinister secret lies hidden two floors below 120 Plein Street. It is a fountain that seeps into a large holding dam. Officials said the water was so clear and fresh that one could drink it. Nkosi said the water was pumped to the parliamentary gardens to water the plants.

Comment: Easy educational historic walking Tour for the Historian. Operating when Parliament feels like it. Maximum 25 participants.