|
Preparations for Inauguration are on course as more foreign dignitaries arrive in South Africa: Update 2
Pretoria- Preparations for the inauguration of South Africa’s fourth democratically-elected President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma remain on course as more foreign dignitaries arrive in the country for the inauguration ceremony scheduled for Saturday 9 May at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
The Inauguration Ceremony, organised around the theme “Together celebrating a vibrant democracy and building a better life for all” will be attended by 29 Heads of State and Government, seven Deputy Presidents as well as a combination of 56 Special Envoys, Foreign Ministers as well as Speakers of Parliament. In addition about 5000 South African guests, over 30 000 members of the public and the entire diplomatic corps accredited to South Africa will witness the ceremony from both the Union Buildings’ Amphitheatre and the Southern Lawns of the Union Buildings.
A number of eminent persons such as the former Heads of State in the region including former President Dr Kenneth Kaunda, former President Joachim Chissano, former President Masire, AU Commission Chairperson Jean Ping, the Secretary-General of SADC Dr Tomaz Salamao, the Deputy Secretary General of the UN, Asha-Rose Migiro, Baroness Ashton of the the European Union Commission will also be represented by one of their commissioners as well as representatives of fraternal parties among others Frelimo and SWAPO. At this stage 100 delegations have confirmed their attendance.
Update on arrival of Heads of State and Government
As of this afternoon 17h30, more Heads of State and Government have arrived for the inauguration ceremony including:
- Ethiopian President –Girma Wolde
- Libyan Leader and AU Chairperson Muammar Gaddafi
- Kenyan President –Mwai Kibaki
- Mozambican President –Armando Guebuza
- Zimbabwean President –Robert Mugabe
- Namibian President –Hikifunye Pohamba
- Angolan President- Eduardo dos Santos
- Zambian President Rupiah Banda
- Congo Brazzaville- Denis Sassou-Nguesso
- Indian Vice President –Mohammed Hamid Ansari
Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853
Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
8 May 2009
|
