All set for Zuma's inauguration
Neo Semono
8 May 2009
A total of 29 Heads of State will be among the 5 000 dignitaries and up to 30 000 ordinary South Africans expected to witness President-elect Jacob Zuma taking the oath of office at the Union Buildings' amphitheatre in Pretoria on Saturday.
Seven deputy presidents will also attend the ceremony, while 56 countries will be represented by special envoys, the bulk of which will comprise foreign ministers and speakers of parliament.
"In terms of preparation I think we are confident that everything that needs to be done has been done. Our assessment is that everything is going on well," said Foreign Affairs director general Ayanda Ntsaluba.
Hive of activity
The Union Buildings is currently a hive of activity in preparation for the weekend's event, and a final rehearsal of the ceremony took place on Thursday afternoon to ensure everything had been organised to the last detail.
Extra security measures have also been set up around the Union Buildings precinct.
The day, which is themed: "Together celebrating a vibrant democracy and building a better life for all", will begin with Heads of State and other dignitaries arriving at the Union Buildings between 9.30am and 10.30am.
Once all are seated in the amphitheatre, Chief Justice Pius Langa will conduct the inauguration ceremony. He will call upon Zuma to take the oath of office, who will then promise to serve the country with pride and dignity.
Zuma will then stand for the national salute and fly over by the South African National Defence Force, thereafter addressing the nation in his first speech as President.
Umbrellas, blankets
Following the formal inauguration ceremony, Zuma will move to the southern lawns of the Union Buildings to address about thirty thousand citizens, said Ntsaluba, who added that the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality had made arrangements for an alternative venue in the event of a spillage of people.
Should it rain as predicted by the South African Weather Services, umbrellas will be available for the invited guests that will range from heads of state to friends of the president-elect.
The Presidency's Trevor Fowler said that should it be cold, blankets have been secured for the invited guests "to make sure that it's as comfortable as possible".
Local artists, the likes of the Soweto Gospel Choir, will perform late into the afternoon, keeping people entertained, while the President will then move to Bryntirion Estate where he will be served lunch along with his invited guests.
Celebrations will continue into the evening, where a cultural evening has been planned at Monte Casino in Johannesburg.
Source: BuaNews
