Parliament - The atmosphere was jovial outside Parliament on Thursday afternoon ahead of President's Jacob Zuma arrival with songs and drums being heard from a distance.
The Ceremonial Guard of the SANDF took their places while a Guard of Honour was formed along the streets to welcome Zuma.
Members of the public, school children, journalists and South African National Defence Force members waited to hear President Zuma's address with much anticipation.
MPs and guests, many of them sporting outfits specially made for the occasion, posed for photographers as they arrived on the red carpet.
In what could have been easily mistaken for a fashion show, members of the media and onlookers jostled for space to catch a glimpse of public figures dressed in their colourful outfits.
There was a mix of traditional dress, Afro-chic, more conventional designers- and off-the-shelf outfits in bright pink, royal blue, yellow and gold among the different hues gracing Parliament.
