Pretoria – The day of the inauguration of President-elect Jacob Zuma has started on the right note in the country’s capital.
Guests – from businesspeople, eminent persons and statutory bodies - were amongst the first VIPs to be bussed in at the Union Buildings shortly before 6am.
Amongst the first to arrive, seated in the section allocated for statutory bodies, was the Independent Electoral Commission’s chief electoral officer Mosotho Moepya and the commission’s deputy chairperson Advocate Terry Tselane.
As he covered himself with a complimentary throw to beat the morning chill, Tselane said the morning had gone smoothly.
“Everything went very smoothly and we really do not have any complaints. We are happy that our responsibility as the electoral commission has come to an end and we are happy to be here to celebrate with every South African.
“We are looking forward to the inauguration itself and from there we are going to relax, go on stage and dance and forget about the intensity of the elections that we went through.”
Subesh Pillay, a member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) responsible for Economic Development and Planning in the City of Tshwane, said he was impressed with how everything was organised.
“It was very organised, everything was smooth sailing.
“We have gone through a very difficult election. Today is about being in the country together and celebrating how South Africa is and looking forward to five years of service delivery,” he said.
Amongst other prominent persons spotted on the stands of the Union Buildings facing the amphitheatre – where President-elect Zuma will deliver his inauguration address – were Kaizer Chiefs award-winning goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and Orlando Pirates forward Lehlohonolo Majoro. – SAnews.gov.za
