The Union Buildings in Pretoria were abuzz on Saturday morning ahead of Jacob Zuma’s inauguration.
Guests, entertainers and media workers began the day with a trip through a nearby accreditation centre to get access to the area. The were rewarded with coveted wristbands that ensure the best seats in the house.
On the media bus, former ANC spokesperson Carl Niehaus, said he was very happy.
”We have waited and worked for this day for a very long time. I am very happy to see Zuma finally inaugurated as president,” he said.
The streets of Pretoria were awash with security officials, and even the buses escorting guests were led by a blue-light escorts.
Vendors had set up huge cooking pots before dawn to capitalise on the inauguration day crowds.
”I’m cold but I will be able to tell my grandchildren I was here,” said a policeman guiding the traffic.
Meanwhile, the amphitheatre of the Herbert Baker-designed building was dressed for the occasion with seat covers in varying shades of pastel pink, mint green, blue and lilac with leather armchairs being carried on to the red-carpeted stage.
Cheerful officials guided guests and media workers to their places as window cleaners wiped the bulletproof glass behind the presidential guests as international and local dignitaries began arriving.
Snipers could be seen taking up position on the roof of the Union Buildings.
The fashion choice was a combination of African chic and morning suits.
A neatly rolled soft blanket was placed on each seat with a gold embossed programme, a small South African flag and the words to the national anthem.
The event officially begins at 11am with a short introduction, followed by prayers at 11.05am.
Outgoing President Kgalema Motlanthe will then bestow the Order of Mapungubwe on Zuma, the highest honour in the land, and he will be sworn in between 11.15am and 11.20am.
Juggling interests
For Zuma (67) taking the oath of office was unthinkable during turbulent years when graft and rape charges nearly ruined him, crises that might have buried many politicians.
At the top of Zuma’s agenda will be navigating Africa’s biggest economy through what could already be its first recession in 17 years.
One of Zuma’s big challenges will be juggling the interests of markets and labour and communist allies who want more government spending on millions still living in abject poverty 15 years after the end of apartheid.
Investors are eager to see who forms his economic team and are especially interested in the fate of respected Finance Minister Trevor Manuel, praised for his fiscal management.
Stacking the government, to be named on Sunday, with loyalists could hurt the credibility of Zuma, who has said ANC officials should not expect positions just because of their loyalty.
Policy decisions
Mike Davies, Middle East & Africa analyst at political risk consulting firm Eurasia Group, predicts Zuma will be cautious.
”Cabinet appointments, which will … include a mix of loyalists and experience, should boost confidence that president elect Jacob Zuma’s administration will not make radical changes to economic policy,” he said.
”Leftists are unlikely to be given portfolios of key concern to investors.”
Zuma has said he will consult widely before making major policy decisions, an approach that may ease opposition fears that the new administration will stifle dissent.
The charismatic leader is known for his mediation skills, which could help him prevent ANC power struggles which led dissidents to form the breakaway Congress of the People party. – Sapa, Reuters