Dignitaries from across the world – including current and former Heads of State and Governments – are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday.

This according to a statement released by the Presidency on Tuesday.

‘The ceremony will be witnessed by South African and international guests, including South African royalty, Members of Parliament, representatives of political parties, leaders of organised labour, business and civil society organisations, religious leaders and South Africans who have excelled in various capacities and endeavours.

‘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),’ the statement read.

The Presidency said at least 18 Heads of State and Government, three former Heads of State and Government and nine Heads of Delegation are expected to attend.

Additional confirmatio
ns are being received.

‘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.

The President-elect held a walkabout at the venue on Tuesday afternoon to assess the state of readiness.

Members of the public are encouraged to use the park and ride at Tshwane Showgrounds. People can park their cars and take a free bus to the Union Buildings.

The programme for the day will commence with a cultural programme for members of the public on the South Lawns of the Union Buildings at 9am.

Formal proceedings will get underway at 11am.

For more information go to https://inauguration2024.dcdt.gov.za.

Source: South African Government News Agency