The debate about whether to move parliament from Cape Town to Tshwane has been raging for decades. Now, it has been revived with the news that government has appointed a company to conduct a six-month study into the socioeconomic consequences of such a step.

There has already been plenty of bleating from the businesspeople in Cape Town, who realise how much of a loss it might be to the Mother City. And critics have said the move itself would cost billions for a government already strapped for cash.

We take the contrary view. In the long term, it will cost much more to continue to pay for two sets of offices and residences for members of parliament, as well as the continuous commuting the politicians and their civil service support staff do every year.

Having two seats of government is something that an emerging nation like SA can ill afford. Having parliament in Tshwane means not only easier access for parliamentarians to the rest of the country, but Gauteng is also a gateway to Africa and the world.

We realise there will be impacts in the Western Cape, but the city has tourism and agriculture to fall back on, so it will continue to survive.

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