A massive fire in South Africa's houses of parliament in Cape Town has completely destroyed the National Assembly where parliamentarians sit, a spokesman said on Sunday as the blaze continued to rage.

Iran PressAfrica: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called it a "terrible and devastating event", as he vowed parliament's work would continue.

Footage from the scene on Sunday showed a plume of black smoke filling the sky, with huge flames coming out from the roof of the building.

Officials said the fire started on the third-floor offices and quickly spread to the National Assembly (the parliament's lower house) chamber.

The parliament is not currently in session because of the holidays, and no injuries were reported.

Also, in this regard, a man has been arrested after the fire severely damaged the Houses of Parliament in the South African city of Cape Town. 219