Five facts you should know about the President’s inauguration

After the National Assembly’s highly energised and much talked about swearing in ceremony, all eyes and ears are on President Zuma’s inauguration where he will take the oath of office in front of the nation. Many people are speculating about the where, the costs and the details of this ceremony, and People’s Assembly is here to give you five facts that you need to know about the inauguration.

When and where will the inauguration take place?

The inauguration will take place on Saturday, May 24, at the Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Guests who are watching from the amphitheatre are expected to arrive between 5am and 8am, and all guests should be seated by 8:30 am. Since the amphitheatre can only hold 4 500 guests, the other invitees and a few members of the public will be able to watch the events from the Southern Lawns. However, members of the public who plan to attend the viewing from the Southern Lawns are advised to arrive early, as it only holds 20 000 guests. The shuttle service from the Tshwane Events Centre will begin at 6am. This shuttle service will be the only means of reaching the Southern Lawns, as vehicles will be prohibited from driving to or around the Union Buildings. As for members of the public who are unable to view from neither the Union Building nor the Southern Lawn, there will be 47 viewing venues across the nation. Members of the public who can’t reach any of the viewing venues will have the opportunity to follow the inauguration from their television or local radio station.

For more information on the public viewing areas go to: BrandSouthAfrica.com

To view a map of the areas go to: eNCA map

Who is invited and who will attend?

Heads of state and governments from around the world have been invited to attend. Amongst national invitees are former heads of state and the newly sworn-in members of the National Assembly. Thus far, 26 heads of states and 11 prime ministers and/or vice-presidents have confirmed that they will attend. Amongst these heads of state is the Chinese Minister of Civil Affairs, Li Liguo. President Xi Jinping appointed Li Liguo after congratulating President Jacob Zuma and expressing his enthusiasm for working with South Africa. As for other foreign guests - 118 foreign ambassadors and 14 eminent figures have confirmed that they will attend.

Other foreign dignitaries attending the ceremony include Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, and Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan.

How much will it cost?

There has been much speculation and a bit of controversy over the cost of the ceremony. This controversy was sparked by contradicting statements between Minister Pravin Gordhan’s budget report, which announced that R120 million would be set aside for the inauguration, and Minister Collins Chabane’s announcement that the inauguration will cost less than President Zuma’s first inauguration in 2009, which cost R75 million. Although we are unable to provide you with the actual number, here are the facts about the contradictory statements. The figure of 120 million Rand appeared in one of the documents that Minister Gordhan submitted during his speech in February 2014. Upon seeing this document, former DA shadow Minister of Finance, Tim Harris, asked Minister Gordhan to explain the 60% budgetary increase for the President’s inauguration. Minister Gordhan replied that the costs were higher because the government expected to welcome a larger number of foreign nationals and the nation would be celebrating Mandela and the country’s 20th anniversary of democracy. However, recently, the government has assured the public that this is not the real figure and that austerity measures has brought the cost down to less than R75 million.

Airshow and 21-gun Salute

Because the inauguration coincides with the nation’s 20th anniversary of democracy, citizens should keep an eye out for an aerial display during the ceremony. According to a media statement released today there will be a civilian fly past by South African Air Force.

The South African National Defence Force will perform the 21-gun salute while the President takes the National Salute.

Music and entertainment

There have been dress rehearsals for a star-studded celebration on the 24th. Once the formal ceremony concludes, artists like Mafikizolo and the Mzansi Youth Choir will entertain the attendees at the Southern Lawns. Among other artists are Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Matthew Mole, Ikomo, DJ Oskido and many more.

For a complete list please go to: Stars to light up Zuma’s inauguration.

As the President gets ready for another term, enjoy the inauguration and keep an eye out for other news stories and information from People’s Assembly.

By Camila Rodriguez, J.D. Candidate 2016