The opening of this year’s session of the South African Parliament by President Thabo Mbeki next week, on Friday February 11, is set to cost about R1,2-million, according to the government news agency BuaNews.
The agency also reports that it promises “to be a spectacular affair, with South Africans from all walks of life expected to grace the event”, including Anglican Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu; former president Nelson Mandela and his wife, Graca Machel; and the last apartheid-era head of state, FW de Klerk.
Speaker of the National Assembly Baleka Mbete said the theme for the 2005 session is Parliament: The Voice of the People: Realising a Better Life for All.
Other guests will include representatives from local government, the judiciary, trade unions, the diplomatic corps, business people and NGOs. People representing various sectors of society will take part in the day’s activities.
BuaNews reported that 100 people who have excelled in their respective fields — such as the first black South African to conquer Mount Everest, Sibusiso Vilani; Community Builder of the Year Peggy Mkhondo; and Woman of the Year in the Social Services Cookie Edwards — will make up the civil guard of honour lining Parliament Street to greet Mbeki.
In addition, 360 high-school pupils will form the junior guard of honour. A military band will perform and march, and an imbongini (traditional praise singer) will welcome the president. — I-Net Bridge