Pretoria – The man of the moment, President-elect Jacob Zuma, has arrived at the Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre where he is to be sworn in, as President of the Republic of South Africa.
Looking dapper in a black suit, President-elect Zuma made his way up the stairs after a few photo opportunities, along with his wife Sizakele MaKhumalo Zuma.
The formal proceedings will now get underway, presided over by Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng.
The Inauguration Ceremony will commence with inter-faith prayers and a recital of the Preamble to the Constitution of South Africa preceding the Swearing-In of the President by the Chief Justice.
The President will take the Oath of Office before signing the swearing-in certificate. He will then take the National Salute, before addressing the nation from the Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre, as the country’s newly inaugurated President.
After a rendition of the National Anthem and a civilian fly past by South African Airways, the President will depart for the Southern Lawns for a brief address to the audience at this venue.
The President will leave the Southern Lawns for a Presidential State Luncheon at Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House, to which Heads of State and/or Government and VVIPs and VIPs have been invited.
The programme for the day will be concluded around 3pm.
Heads of State and/or Government have been arriving at the Union Buildings since early this morning.
President-elect Zuma’s wives Nompumelelo Ntuli, Bongi Ngema-Zuma and Thobeka Zuma, arrived earlier, dressed to the nines.
Former President Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe have also taken their seats in the Amphitheatre. – SAnews.gov.za
