Pretoria – The Union Buildings is a hive of activity with less than 48 hours to go before President-elect Jacob Zuma steps on to the inaugural podium in the Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre to take his Oath of Office.
South Africans around the country will on Saturday witness him being sworn in as President of the Republic by Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng and give his acceptance speech.
SAnews visited the Union Buildings on Thursday where the preparations ahead of Zuma’s second inauguration ceremony were well underway.
Garden crews were cutting the grass, trimming flowers and cleaning flower beds, while a group of artists were busy with their rehearsals.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Zahara, who were busy with a public dress rehearsal and sound checks on the big stage at the southern lawns, attracted a crowd of around 200 people.
When Zahara sang one of her popular songs, her latest tribute to Madiba called “Nelson Mandela”, the crowd broke out in dance and song.
Zahara and Mzwakhe Mbuli sing the ‘Madiba Tribute Song’ at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
The construction of the inaugural stage at the Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre is nearly complete and workers were busy with their final touches.
Current and former Heads of State who have been invited by government to attend the event are expected to start arriving in the country from tomorrow. They will be seated in the amphitheatre, along with other dignitaries.
A row of restrooms have been placed at the southern lawn, at both the east and west wing of the Union Buildings.
The police visibility at the Union Buildings has been beefed up. Security is expected to be very tight on Saturday. Fences have also been set up to section off areas and block off construction sites.
An Oryx military helicopter was seen flying over the precinct.
Organisers seem to be orchestrating their preparation for the event in a well-coordinated way.
While full road closures around the Union Buildings precinct will come into effect late on Friday, some streets are still be open to members of the public.
Saturday’s inauguration is expected to attract thousands of people, who will be accommodated on the Southern Lawns. – SAnews.gov.za
