A huge fire that damaged part of South Africa's parliament has been brought under control on Monday, and police confirmed that a 49-year-old man has been charged with starting the blaze. 

"The fire was brought under control during the night," spokesman Jermaine Carelse said, adding that around 20 firefighters were still on the site. 

The suspect will appear in court on Tuesday, charged with "housebreaking, arson" and damaging state property.

There were no casualties in the blaze, which started Sunday at around 5:00 a.m.

It began in the wood-paneled older part of the building – a section that houses South Africa's first parliament and some of the nation's most cherished artifacts. 

The blaze then spread to the neighboring new assembly, where legislators currently meet.

Officials said they fire had "extensively destroyed" the building. 

The fire has affected both the Old Assembly Wing and the National Assembly Wing of the parliament, which also houses the upper house, National Council of Provinces.

Parliament spokesman Moloto Mothapo also said the roof of the National Assembly had collapsed. "The entire chamber where the members sit ... has burned down."

The cause of the fire has not been established, and investigations are underway by the relevant authorities.

It is the second fire at the parliament in less than a year. In March, there was a blaze caused by an electrical fault.

(With input from agencies)