Cape Town – President Jacob Zuma has arrived at Parliament, where he will deliver the State of the Nation Address.
The President, who has made his way into the National Assembly, looks dapper in wine red tie and dark suit and is accompanied by First Lady Bongi Ngema-Zuma.
The chamber is filled to capacity with Members of Parliament, invited guests and diplomats.
Earlier, the President shook hands with dignitaries before standing while the National Anthem was played.
President Zuma will deliver his address to a Joint Sitting of the two Houses, the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, shortly after 7pm.
The speech is being broadcast on television, radio and social media.
It has been a full ceremonial occasion involving a national salute by the Ceremonial Guard of the SANDF, a military band, a salute flight by the South African Air Force and a 21-gun salute.
Earlier, Members of Parliament, diplomats and invited guests lit up the red carpet with various expressions of style.
The State of the Nation Address is one of the rare occasions when all three arms of the state – the Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislature - come together in one place. – SAnews.gov.za
