South African President Jacob Zuma (R) listens to Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng ahead of Zuma’s inauguration ceremony in his final term at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Image by: SIPHIWE SIBEKO / REUTERS
Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya, arrives for the inauguration ceremony of South African President Jacob Zuma at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Image by: SIPHIWE SIBEKO / REUTERS
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan arrives for the inauguration ceremony of South African President Jacob Zuma at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Image by: SIPHIWE SIBEKO / REUTERS
Kolo Christophe Laurent Roger,Prime Minister of Madagascar, arrives for the inauguration ceremony of South African President Jacob Zuma in his final term at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Image by: SIPHIWE SIBEKO / REUTERS
Toetie Dow (C), leader of the San people, arrives for the inauguration ceremony of South African President Jacob Zuma for his final term at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Image by: SIPHIWE SIBEKO / REUTERS
SA MUSICIANS ENTERTAIN REVELLERS – Sapa
Well-known South African musicians performed hit songs for over 18,000 people gathered at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Saturday.
The artists included the Soweto Gospel Choir, Zahara, Kurt Darren,The Soil, Selaelo Selota, Mango Groove, Uhuru and Rebecca Malope.
Afro-pop singer Zahara belted out her hit, ‘Mandela’ dedicated to former president Nelson Mandela.
Mango Groove performed hits including ‘Dance Some More’ much to the delight of the jubilant crowd.
Young and old went wild when popular group Uhuru took to the stage and performed their hit ‘Wa e Tjukutja’.
The singers were accompanied by various dancers who performed pantsula, ballet and traditional dance genres.
Earlier, Zuma was sworn-in for a second term of office at the Nelson Mandela amphitheatre at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
MIXED REACTION TO ZUMA’S SPEECH – Sapa
There was mixed reaction to President Jacob Zuma’s inauguration speech at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Saturday.
Some people from an 18,000 strong crowd outside the Union Building welcomed the speech while others did not.
Louis Geldenhuis, 22, an engineering student at the University of Pretoria said Zuma’s speech was positive and encouraging.
“It was very positive, he spoke very well about [the] future and economy. What he says is encouraging but what he does will be even more interesting,” he said.
Dito Maine from the North West said he was impressed when Zuma spoke of radical changes.
“I’m waiting to see that radicalness….We want to see at least two percent of disabled people employed,” he said.
However, Joyce Ramogase was not moved by the speech. She said she wanted to hear Zuma speak about employment.
“I would have loved for the president to touch more on issues of employment and what government will do. Us on the ground level are suffering and need government to help us,” she said.
Nonky Bogatsu agreed saying the country needed a leader not a president.
“All that these people do is talk, we need someone who is not power hungry and has the interest of the people at heart,” she said.
PTA ROADS TO RE-OPEN AT 7PM – Sapa
Pretoria roads affected by the inauguration of President Jacob Zuma at the Nelson Mandela amphitheatre at the Union Buildings in Pretoria would be re-opened on Saturday night, Gauteng traffic police said.
“The event is expected to end at 5pm and most roads/streets will be re-opened today [Saturday] at 7pm,” said Gauteng traffic police spokesman Obed Sibasa.
Stanza Bopape and Government Avenue had been turned into a traffic-free zone and traffic police recommended that surrounding roads should be avoided.
Sibasa said that overflow sections including the southern lawns, with a capacity for 20,000 people and the amphitheatre were nearly filled to capacity.
“It is peaceful, people [are] excited, celebrating and enjoying themselves.”
CAMPAIGN FOR NIGERIAN GIRLS AT INAUGURATION – Sapa
A non-governmental organisation handed out pamphlets at President Jacob Zuma’s inauguration on Saturday, calling for the release of over 260 kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls.
The Concerned Young People of SA (Cypsa) handed out pamphlets at the Union Buildings titled Umphakathi Ukhathazekile (The society is concerned).
“Now Nigeria. Who’s next? ” read a message on the pamphlet.
“Where can we hide our girls from Boko (Haram)?” read another excerpt on the pamphlet.
The schoolgirls were abducted on April 14 from their dormitory in Borno by millitant group, Boko Haram.
Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan attended the inauguration ceremony.
THOUSANDS WAVE TO ZUMA – Sapa
The south lawn of the Union Buildings erupted into cheers on Saturday when President Jacob Zuma made his way to the stage after being inaugurated.
Flags were flying high in the air as Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile welcomed him.
Zuma thanked the people for coming out in their numbers. According to officials at least 18,000 people had gathered on the lawn.
He said he was happy people could join him while he was taking the oath of office.
Zuma told the thousands that his party had stayed true to its promise of changing peoples lives.
“Don’t be scared when we make unfavourable decisions, we are doing it for you. We are not going to be scared to make those decisions, we made a promise to better your lives,” he said.
Zuma called on the nation to be united to help overcome challenges the country faced.
ZUMA THANKS SUPPORTERS – Sapa
President Jacob Zuma thanked some 18,000 people on the lawns of the Union Buildings for attending his inauguration on Saturday and for supporting the ANC.
“Thank you very much for coming to be with us today as we take the oath for the next five years,” he said.
“In the last few weeks…we were all over the country campaigning…and finally the people of this country made their choice emphatically to give the ANC once again the opportunity to govern the country.”
Zuma said he was happy so many people came.
“Today we are taking the oath as mandated by the overwhelming majority of this country. We are happy you are with us here.”
The crowd waved and cheered as he spoke, some waving South African flags.
STATE PERFORMANCE MUST IMPROVE: ZUMA – Sapa
The performance of the state will need to improve, President Jacob Zuma said on Saturday.
“[We will] eradicate corruption and inefficiency in the public service,” he said after taking his oath of office at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
“We will promote productivity.”
He said there would be consequences where there was a failure to deliver services to the people of the country.
There was a lot of work to do and everyone needed to work together.
“We need the backing of a united and cohesive nation behind us as we move South Africa forward,” Zuma said.
Zuma, who would serve his second term as president, said there would be nation building programmes as many citizens still beared emotional scars from apartheid.
“National healing and reconciliation processes need to continue. We will work together,” he said.
Zuma said South Africa would also continue to play its role on the African continent and abroad.
Again he expressed gratitude as he accepted his mandate as president.
“We do not take this confidence bestowed on upon us lightly. We are truly humbled… The road ahead is long and demanding,” said Zuma.
“The challenges… may seem insurmountable but we are determined to
succeed.”
He said the country must succeed in honour of former president Nelson Mandela.
ECONOMY TAKES CENTRE STAGE: ZUMA – Sapa
The transformation of the South African economy will be one of the main focuses of the fifth democratic elected government, President Jacob Zuma said on Saturday.
“Economic transformation will take centre stage during this new term of government as we put the economy on an inclusive growth path,” Zuma said.
“We have made some progress in changing the ownership of the economy but much work must still be done.”
Government will strengthen black economic empowerment and employment equity laws, he said.
Zuma said economic programs would be put in place. The economic transformation programs would also promote local business and entrepreneurs.
After 20 years of democracy, Zuma said millions of people had access to basic services and quality of life.
“We wish to acknowledge the contribution of every South African,” he said.
“It is through your hard work that we are able to count so many achievements in only 20 years of freedom. However our work is not yet completed”
He said a review was conducted last year which indicated that South Africa was a better place to live in due to transformative policies
“Today marks the beginning of the second phase of our transition from apartheid to democracy.”
He said the second phase would entail radical change.
Zuma was sworn-in for a second term of office at the Nelson Mandela amphitheatre at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
REVELLERS FED CHICKEN AT INAUGURATION – Sapa
Boxes of meals containing bread and chicken were handed out to large groups of people at the lawns of the Union Buildings ahead of President Jacob Zuma’s inauguration on Saturday.
People were given a quarter chicken, slices of bread, soft drinks and water.
They had a choice of either an apple, banana or pear along with their meals.
The food were neatly packed in portable brown boxes which were in turn wrapped with plastic bags.
Men, women and children sat on the lawns and enjoyed their meals while watching performances on stage.
The elderly were prioritised and attended to first before they were led to their designated marquee.
Host Arthur Mafokate announced that no alcohol was allowed on the grounds.
“We are here to enjoy ourselves and celebrate this country…no alcohol [is] allowed,” he said.
CHEERS AS ZUMA IS SWORN IN – Sapa
A large crowd of people on the lawns of the Union Buildings in Pretoria blew vuvuzelas and cheered on Saturday after President Jacob Zuma took his oath of office
A section of the crowd at the back started chanting songs praising Zuma.
They sang :” uZuma lo.. abangaziyo..abazang ba mbona..[this is Zuma, those who do not know him, have never met him before].”
They raised their national flags high, and cheered at the gun salute fired by the military.
ZUMA FEELS HONOURED TO LEAD THE COUNTRY – Sapa
President Jacob Zuma on Saturday said he was honored to be able to lead South African for another five years.
“I am greatly honored to stand before you today and accept the mandate bestowed on me… to lead this great nation for the next five years,” he said at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
“This year we mark 20 years of freedom and 20 years since [former president] Nelson Mandela took his oath of office at this very amphitheatre.”
Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng swore Zuma in as president of the country at the Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre.
The amphitheatre was named after Mandela died in December last year.
Zuma said a lot of progress had been made in the country since democracy.
“The democratic government set out to implement policies and programmes that would change the quality of life of all especially the poor and workers. A lot of progress has been made,” he said.
SA AIR FORCE FLYOVER AT INAUGURATION – Sapa
Various aircraft flew over the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Saturday in various formations for the inauguration of President Jacob Zuma.
Five flight transport aircraft were the first planes to make their way over.
Program directors Justice Minister Jeff Radebe and African National Congress deputy secretary general Jesse Duarte introduced the formations.
“The formation will fly over in the sign of a 20 to symbolise 20 years of democracy,” Duarte said to loud cheers as a new formation flew over.
Three large aircraft flew over before the VIP transportation aircraft. As Gripens flew over, several people cheered.
People pointed as the aircraft approached. Some had their phones and tablets out to make videos and take pictures of the flyover
ZUMA ADDRESSES THE NATION – Sapa
President Jacob Zuma began addressing the nation before midday at his inauguration ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Saturday.
“I am greatly honoured …to accept the mandate bestowed upon [me]…to lead this great nation for the next five years. I accept this honour….with great priviledge,” he said.
“Ours is a nation that has produced generations of selfless freedom fighters…This is a nation that has worked tirelessly to build a new society from the ashes of apartheid…opting for reconciliation instead of retribution.”
MEDICS KEPT BUSY AT INAUGURATION – Sapa
Medical personnel attended to several medical emergencies at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Saturday ahead of the inauguration of President Jacob Zuma.
“We had to attend to chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure and diabetes. We have sent at least one person to a hospital to be stabilised,” said Mpho Mofokeng who was in charge of one of several medical stations erected around the venue.
There were no serious medical emergencies by 11 am, she said.
Inside the medical tent, staff attended to an older man. He was having his blood pressure checked. On the other side, a woman sat on a chair, sipping water.
Ambulances were stationed around the south laws, ready to transport those who fell ill.
A member of the SA Police Service dog unit said they expected crowds to swell within a few hours.
“There are no problems now, the crowd is not rowdy. There will be more by lunchtime, we will have to move official vehicles further down,” he said.
Large crowds continued to pour into the lawns.
They watched proceedings from the amphitheatre on the big screens.
GUN SALUTE AT INAUGURATION – Sapa
The 21 gun salute started as the military band played the national anthem at President Jacob Zuma’s inauguration at the Union Buildings on Saturday.
Zuma stood looking out towards the south lawns while guests in the Nelson
Mandela ampitheatre stood in silence.
This gun salute began after Zuma took his oath of office.
ZUMA TAKES OATH OF OFFICE – Sapa
President Jacob Zuma took his oath of office for a second term at around 11.35am at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Saturday.
He was led by Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng.
“In the presence of everyone assembled here and in full realisation of the high calling I assume as president of the Republic of South Africa, I Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma swear that I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa and will obey, observe, uphold, and maintain the Constitution and all other law[s] of the republic…” he said.
“I solemnly and sincerely promise that I will always promote all that will advance the Republic and oppose all that may harm it.”
There was a loud cheer after Zuma said “so help me God”.
Mogoeng then asked Zuma to sign a certificate while placing his hand on a Bible.
Mogoeng then congratulate him.
INAUGURATION CEREMONY BEGINS – Sapa
The inauguration ceremony for Jacob Zuma’s second term of office began at around 11.30am at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Saturday.
The ceremony started with inter-faith prayers, and several male guests took off their hats as a sign of respect.
Zuma sat with his hands folded on his lap and his eyes closed as the various religious leaders prayed for him.
The prayers were for a peaceful inauguration, and blessings for Zuma.
The prayers were due to be followed by a recital of the Preamble to the Constitution of South Africa, before Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng swears in Zuma.
Zuma was due to take the oath of office before he signs the swearing-in certificate, followed by a congratulatory item by imbongi Zolani Mkiva.
Zuma will address the nation after taking the national salute as the SA Air Force executes a fly-past and the SA Defence Force performs a 21-gun salute.
After a rendition of the national anthem and a civilian fly-past by SA Airways, Zuma will address those on the south lawns.
ZUMA ARRIVES FOR INAUGURATION – Sapa
President-elect Jacob Zuma arrived after 11.20am to cheers at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Saturday ahead of his inauguration for a second term in office.
Zuma arrived in a convoy of motorcycles and official vehicles with blue lights. He greeted military officials and walked down the red carpet with one of his four wives. He was escorted by military generals infront and behind him.
Guests in the amphitheatre stood up and clapped as he walked by.
Before his arrival, military bands marched and stood at attention near the amphitheatre where dignitaries were seated. Three of Zuma’s wives had arrived before him.
The ceremony would start with inter-faith prayers, followed by a recital of the Preamble to the Constitution of South Africa, before Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng swears in Zuma.
Zuma would take the oath of office before he signs the swearing-in certificate, followed by a congratulatory item by imbongi Zolani Mkiva.
Zuma would then take the national salute as the SA Air Force executes a fly-past and the SA Defence Force performs a 21-gun salute before he addresses the nation.
MBEKI AND MOTLANTHE ARRIVE – Sapa
Former president Thabo Mbeki and former deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe arrived for president-elect Jacob Zuma’s inauguration after 11am on Saturday at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Mbeki and Motlanthe received loud cheers and screams as they walked down the red carpet, one after the other, both accompanied by their wives.
Three of Zuma’s wives had also arrived to a loud applause. Zuma was due to arrive shortly.
Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng arrived and took his place on the stage.
Local and foreign dignitaries continued to stream in and 4500 were expected to attend. A further 20,000 people were expected to watch from the south lawns.
The ceremony was due to begin with inter-faith prayers, followed by a recital of the Preamble to the Constitution of South Africa, before Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng swears in Zuma.
Zuma was due to take the oath of office before he signs the swearing-in certificate, followed by a congratulatory item by imbongi Zolani Mkiva.
Zuma will address the nation after taking the national salute as the SA Air Force executes a fly-past and the SA Defence Force performs a 21-gun salute.
After a rendition of the national anthem and a civilian fly-past by SA Airways, Zuma will address those on the south lawns.
MORE FOREIGN HEADS ARRIVE – Sapa
Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe arrived to loud applause and whistling at the Union Buildings on Saturday for the inauguration of president-elect Jacob Zuma.
Mugabe, in a dark suit and blue tie, arrived in Mercedez Benz, and then slowly made his way down the red carpet with his wife.
He smiled and waved as loud cheers echoed through the amphitheatre.
Other dignitaries to receive cheers were former Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda and Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan.
Local and foreign dignitaries continued to stream in and 4500 were expected to attend. A further 20,000 people were expected to watch from the south lawns.
The ceremony was due to begin with inter-faith prayers, followed by a recital of the Preamble to the Constitution of South Africa, before Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng swears in Zuma.
Zuma was due to take the oath of office before he signs the swearing-in certificate, followed by a congratulatory item by imbongi Zolani Mkiva.
Zuma will address the nation after taking the national salute as the SA Air Force executes a fly-past and the SA Defence Force performs a 21-gun salute.
After a rendition of the national anthem and a civilian fly-past by SA Airways, Zuma will address those on the south lawns.
HIGH FASHION AT INAUGURATION – Sapa
The pomp and ceremony of a presidential inauguration would not be complete without some high fashion, with guests attending Jacob Zuma’s swearing in at the Union Buildings donning their best outfits.
There is a strict formal dress code for an inauguration, however there was not much glitz and glam with guests opting for a more sophisticated look.
A number of men opted for traditional attire — a few with animal skins around their waists and headdresses.
Many women either wore a hat or fascinator, and some were visibly uncomfortable in their stiletto high heels.
Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille wore a black dress and coat with a leopard print fascinator in black and gold with a matching scarf.
Pregnant businesswoman and TV personality Basetsana Kumalo looked radiant in a flowy purple dress with peacock feathers around the collar and bright green stiletto heels.
Public Protector Thuli Madonsela wore a cream long sleeve crop top with a matching skirt and a chiffon overlay extending from the bottom of her top over the skirt.
The majority of women wore two piece jacket and skirt suits.
Navy blue and black suits were the order of the day for many of the male folk attending the inauguration.
Former police commissioner Bheki Cele wore a silky blue suit with his signature Panama hat.
Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane also wore a silk suit but in black.
Dali Tambo, the son of former ANC president Oliver Tambo, wore a blue pinstripe suit with a white scarf. He is known for his flamboyant dress-sense.
Some guests wore interesting coats to keep warm in the chilly autumn morning, many sporting faux fur collars.
Many expected Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema to arrive at the inauguration in his red overall, boiler hat and gumboots, but the firebrand leader adhered to the strict dress code and arrived in a black suit and tie.
His colleague Dali Mpofu wore a black suit and bright red button-up shirt.
CULTURAL GROUPS ENTERTAIN CROWDS – Sapa
A large crowd of people at the south lawn of the Union Buildings were entertained by various cultural groups ahead of the inauguration of president-elect Jacob Zuma.
A Khoi cultural group were the first on stage, which was erected on the lawn. A Zulu cultural group, accompanied by Indian dancers, followed.
The young and the elderly alike sang and danced along to the cultural beats. Old men whistled while women ululated.
“I love South African music, especially when we mix our cultures…I love the diversity,” said host, Kwaito musician Arthur Mafokate.
A Pedi group, the Thabiso Dancers, took to the stage after 10am.
They wore bright coloured garments, and blew whistles as they danced.
Dignitaries arrived throughout the morning.
ANC WELL-REPRESENTED AT UNION BUILDINGS – Sapa
The ruling African National Congress was well represented at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Saturday ahead of the inauguration of Jacob Zuma for a second term in office.
Party members and supporters were wearing t-shirts bearing the faces of former president Nelson Mandela and Zuma.
Some carried ANC flags while others had party logos painted on their faces.
Musicians entertained a growing crowd on the lawn outside the building ahead of the ceremony, which is scheduled to begin around 11am.
People sat on the grass while others danced to Maskandi music [zulu traditional music].
FOREIGN GUESTS ARRIVE – Sapa
Foreign dignitaries began arriving before 10am at the Union Buildings in Pretoria ahead of the inauguration of Jacob Zuma for his second term of office.
Crowds cheered and clapped as former Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda arrived.
He was followed by the arrival of Gambian vice-president Isatou Njie-Saidy, Angolan vice-president Manuel Vicente, Sudan’s first vice-president Bakri Hassan Salih, and Gabon vice-president Guy Nzouba-Ndama.
Around 4500 foreign and local dignitaries were expected to attend. A further 20,000 people were expected to watch from the south lawns.
The ceremony was due to begin with inter-faith prayers, followed by a recital of the Preamble to the Constitution of South Africa, before Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng swears in Zuma.
Zuma was due to take the oath of office before he signs the swearing-in certificate, followed by a congratulatory item by imbongi Zolani Mkiva.
Zuma will address the nation after taking the national salute as the SA Air Force executes a fly-past and the SA Defence Force performs a 21-gun salute.
After a rendition of the national anthem and a civilian fly-past by SA Airways, Zuma will address those on the south lawns.
‘IT’S A BLESSING TO BE HERE’ : NKANDLA RESIDENTS – Sapa
It was a blessing to witness the inauguration of a fellow Nkandla resident, a group who travelled from the northern KwaZulu-Natal village said on Saturday.”
“President Jacob Zuma makes us people from Nkandla very proud,” said Dumisani Mpungose shortly after he arrived to witness the Zuma’s presidential inauguration at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
“It s a blessing to be here and witness this historical moment.”
Mpungose, Mxolisi Ngcobo, 22 and groups of other men and women departed from Nkandla in two buses on Friday morning.
“We gathered at the president’s home from very early on Friday to make sure we travel nicely without rushing to Pretoria,” Mpungose said.
They slept in a hotel in the Pretoria CBD.
The group had ANC-branded blankets draped over their shoulders as they re-grouped on the Union Building lawns.
There were significant developments in Nkandla since the advent of democracy, Mpungose said.
“I work in the deep rural sides of Nkandla, and I can tell you that after 20 years, the place is different from how it was in 1994.”
Ngcobo said the first time he voted was on May 7.
“It is my first time here at the Union Buildings, I am here because I believe that this government will work harder to improve my life as a young person.”
Police kept an eye on the crowds who were kept dancing to music blaring from massive speakers on the stage.
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