By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Various dignitaries from across the world are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings on Wednesday.
This was confirmed by Presidency on Tuesday, which indicated that at least 18 heads of state and government, three former heads of state and government and nine heads of delegation are expected to attend.
“Countries that will be represented at a high level at the inauguration include the Kingdom of eSwatini and Kingdom of Lesotho, the Republics of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola and Tanzania, the Republic of Uganda, the People’s Republic of China, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the State of Palestine and the Republic of Cuba,” said Presidency.
Among those already confirmed to be in attendance is Burundi Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca who was welcomed by Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi while Cuba Vice President Salvador Mesa was welcomed by Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga.
Another African head of state already confirmed is South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who was due to have a meeting with Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala.
Furthermore, Ramaphosa’s office said it expects the inauguration to also include regional and continental organisations.
“Attendees will include representatives of regional, continental and international organisations and bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN),” Ramaphosa’s office said.
Ramaphosa’s office also indicated that there will be additional confirmations which are being received, including those from Swaziland, Egypt and Uganda.
“Countries that will be represented at a high level at the inauguration include the Kingdom of eSwatini and Kingdom of Lesotho, the Republics of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola and Tanzania; the Republic of Uganda, the People’s Republic of China, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the State of Palestine and the Republic of Cuba,” the Presidency said.
Ramaphosa, who enters his second term under the Government of National Unity (GNU), which includes the DA, IFP, and Patriotic Alliance, among others, held a walkabout at the venue on Tuesday afternoon to assess the state of readiness.
Outgoing Police Minister Bheki Cele has assured South Africans that the country’s law enforcement agencies will ensure a smooth inauguration ceremony.
Cele says the police are not worried about possible threats, as a large contingent of foreign dignitaries and heads of state are set to attend.
“The job of the police is to mitigate threats and make sure that they do not happen,” Cele said.
“This inauguration will happen accordingly, and any threat will be addressed. Come the 19th, the president will be inaugurated, so come drink and dance.”
Meanwhile, The Airports Company South Africa confirmed that the passenger Terminal Arrivals Road and the Cargo Road will be temporarily closed from Tuesday until Saturday.
ACSA Regional General Manager Jabulani Khambule said this is meant to facilitate the arrival and departure of heads of state.
“To properly manage the flow of traffic, kindly note that vehicles on airport roadways will be diverted by the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department to the departures (upper) roadway as well as Parkade 2 South, Levels 2 and 3, for pick-up and drop-off purposes,” said Khambule.