Loud applause, ululations and freedom songs heralded former president Nelson Mandela’s arrival at President Thabo Mbeki’s inauguration ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Tuesday.
Mandela had foregone wearing one of his trademark colourful ”Madiba” shirts in favour of a more formal white one, worn with a green tie under a dark suit.
Accompanied by his wife, former Mozambican first lady Graca Machel, Mandela received a standing ovation from the thousands-strong crowd.
Mandela made slow progress from the limousine to his seat, and was accompanied by two air force officers who each held an arm of the ageing icon.
Horns blew and the crowd cheered as he took his seat with the other assembled dignitaries.
Dignitaries and members of the public also cheered as Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe arrived at the Union Buildings.
Mugabe, arriving in an old-model Mercedes Benz with a Zimbabwean registration number, also received a standing ovation.
Mugabe stood hand in hand with his wife, Grace, who was dressed in lime with matching headgear.
The Mugabes waved at the cameras before they were led to sit in the VIP area. — Sapa