Cape Town – With just a few hours left before President Jacob Zuma tables the first State of the Nation Address in the new Parliament, final preparations are well underway in the National Assembly precinct in Cape Town, ahead of the ceremony later this evening.
The speech will be delivered for the first time in a winter evening, sparking fears of cold weather and even rain during the pomp and ceremony that accompanies the event.
But there are clear skies around Cape Town and the South African Weather Service has said no rain is expected around the city this evening, much to the relief of many photographers and TV crews who will be stationed along the red carpet.
One photographer said the possibility of rain would be “disastrous” for him, since he was interested in the pictures of what has been termed the “fashion show” of Parliament. In recent years, the red carpet in the parliamentary precinct has dazzled with colour as MPs and guests donned glamorous outfits, while posing obligingly for pictures.
Parliament said there were contingency plans in case the weather changes and it rains. Former Presidents, local and international guests, as well diplomats are expected to arrive as early as 5pm, for the live broadcast of the speech at 7pm.
There will be 50 public viewing areas across the country. Parliament’s theme for this year’s address is “20 Years of a Democratic Parliament”.
It will be President Zuma’s seventh State of the Nation Address since he first took office in 2009.
The event will mark the President’s first public appearance in more than a week, after he was booked off by doctors following a gruelling election campaign.
Marquees and makeshift studios to be used by several broadcasters have been erected outside the parliamentary precinct and all roads leading to parliament will be closed by 4 pm. – SAnews.gov.za
