Thabo Mbeki was inaugurated as South Africa’s President in a lavish ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Tuesday.
Mbeki was sworn in for his second term by Chief Justice Arthur Chaskalson.
The induction took place before an estimated 40 000 revellers and 6 000 invited guests, including presidents, royalty, prime ministers and Cabinet ministers from all over the world.
Mbeki, accompanied by his wife, Zanele, was received upon his arrival by a traditional praise singer as he was ushered by security personnel to the VIP area.
Mbeki’s convoy was preceded by those of former presidents Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk.
Hundreds of invited guests, many in colourful African garb, had already taken their places in the amphitheatre for Mbeki’s swearing-in.
Dignitaries arriving in a long convoy of luxury sedans, stretching several kilometres, were introduced one by one to the crowd by a master of ceremonies.
The procession comprised junior delegates first, then ministerial delegates, then heads of government and heads of state.
They each walked on a red carpet as they were ushered to their seats in the VIP section.
Dozens of South African flags were flying around the venue, with the dresses and elaborate headgear of many of the guests helping to transform the normally drab grey buildings into a feast of colour.
On the lawns, meanwhile, revellers arrived to partake in the celebrations planned to mark the country’s 10th year of freedom after the fall of apartheid.
Members of the public said they were elated by the event.
Wilfred Dlamini of Mamelodi was excited to be in a position to witness the inauguration.
”I am overjoyed by this occasion,” he said. ”It is something I never thought I will witness in my lifetime, all South Africans should give credit to the heroes and the heroines of the liberation struggle.”
Nokuzola Yoyi (34) from Port Elizabeth said she left the Eastern Cape on Sunday so she could attend the function.
”This is an occasion I would not miss for the world. I have brought along my husband and our two children so we can enjoy the experience together.”
Twenty-one-year-old Phumlani Tsoa said the celebrations will remain in his memory for a long time.
”I came all the way from Nelspruit with four of my friends so we can be part of this mammoth occasion.”
The Union Buildings have been abuzz with excitement since 4am when the first guests and journalists were bused in for the day’s festivities — being held at an estimated cost of R90-million to the government.
Security officials also had an early start, lining the deserted streets of the city and keeping a watchful eye over the proceedings.
There were angry mutterings when promised coffee failed to arrive. Hundreds of journalist and workers, who had been at the Union Building since just after 3am, were told the caffeine-rich beverage desperately required to keep them awake and warm, had been stopped by security.
The Government Communication and Information Service (GCIS) confirmed that this had been the cause of the delay.
A source claimed that the caterers responsible for the coffee had failed to set up their canteen before the noon deadline on Monday.
”We closed the Union Buildings to all personnel to allow for a final security sweep,” the GCIS said.
So when the caterers arrived just after 5am they were stopped by the tight security.
”They were not permitted on to the grounds and it was only after heavy negotiations that we managed to get them on to the premises,” the GCIS said.
But by that stage, journalists had managed to infiltrate the VIP canteen where they jostled for coffee with the likes of foreign diplomats and political party leaders.
The government budgeted about R90-million for the festivities, culminating in a music concert featuring about 200 artists on the lawns from 2pm to 7pm.
About 40 000 people were expected to attend the celebrations — not including an estimated 6 000 invited guests. About 40 presidents and royalty, 10 prime ministers and 43 ministerial delegations were billed to attend.
The induction itself started at 10am, with Chief Justice Arthur Chaskalson administering the oath for Mbeki’s second term of office.
This was to be followed by a military salute, an air display and a national salute, before Mbeki’s address to the nation from 10.45am.
The programme was to end with lunch before the concert got under way. — Sapa