It’s all systems go as government gears up for the Presidential inauguration that will take place tomorrow (Wednesday, 19 June).
The President-Elect Cyril Ramaphosa will be sworn-in by the Chief Justice Raymond Zondo and he will take an Oath or Affirmation which text is included in Schedule 2 of the Constitution.
This after Ramaphosa was successfully re-elected by MPs in the National Assembly on Friday.
The ceremony will be staged at the Union Buildings Amphitheatre and its South Lawns.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says the technical team has been hard at work to deliver a successful inauguration.
She says law enforcement is fully deployed to continue to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and guests on the day.
A number of Heads of State are heading to South Africa to witness the inauguration.
The amphitheater will host national and foreign dignitaries including Heads of State and Government. Preparations have also been made for South Africans to participate in the Inauguration Ceremony, which they will be able to attend on the South lawns.
Tshwane Metro Police will effect road closures in and around the Union Buildings precinct on Wednesday.
The ceremony will commence with an entertainment programme at 09h00 and the formal proceedings are scheduled to commence at 11h00 or 11 AM.
The South African National Defence Force will perform the ceremonial elements of the Inauguration as they pledge their allegiance to both the Republic and the Commander-In-Chief.
The ceremonial elements will include, amongst others:
- A 21-gun salute
- A salute flight by the South African Air Force
- Inspection of a South African National Defence Force battalion
- A Battalion march past, and
- A massed fly past
The SANDF has been busy with rehearsals on Tuesday morning.
Rehearsals || 18 June 2024 || SA National Defence Force prepares for the Presidential Inauguration at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on 19 June 2024 at 08:00 || Union Buildings.
Photographs by Government Communication Information Systems.#PresidentialInauguration2024#SANDF pic.twitter.com/zviyp9ivik
— SA National Defence Force (@SANDF_ZA) June 18, 2024
Following the proceedings, Ramaphosa will then deliver his Inaugural Address.
The Minister has encouraged South Africans to be part of the occasion, and for those who cannot attend to follow proceedings on television and radio.
“Government, therefore, calls on South Africans to take a few hours out of their time to devote attention to this special occasion and especially to encourage children and young people to observe this event as part of building social cohesion and developing an appreciation for what makes us special as a nation.”
