Yesterday marked a ‘new dawn’ in South Africa when Jacob Zuma was inaugurated as the president of the country. As I woke up yesterday, the weather was terrible, it was grey and overcast and I wondered what was going to happen at the inauguration if it rained. I switched on my TV to tune into the live coverage of the inauguration and you could see the rain coming down and those already gathered at the Union Buildings had their umbrellas and raincoats. At that time I started to receives text messages and emails saying that this rain and gloom is a bad sign! “How can our next president be sworn in on a day that is so dull and gloomy?” I too was getting very worried. But I was sure that the organisers of this event had made provisions for rain. In African culture, rain is a sign of blessing so even if it rained it would be a blessing for that day, whilst some would say the rain is a sign of the infamous Jacob Zuma ’shower’!

The dignitaries and presidents of other countries started to arrive at the Union Buildings one by one as ANC Youth League ledaer, Julius Malema and others sang nonstop in the rain. What I noted was the arrival of Zimbabwe’s prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai. Some had thought he was not invited but we knew during the course of the week that he would be there. What puzzled me was the lady he came with. We know that he lost his wife Susan in a car accident but I wonder who the lady he can to the inauguration was? Then president Mugabe arrived! What was interesting with the arrival of Mugabe is that he came with his own car. Whilst all other dignitaries came with cars I am guessing were provided my the South Africa government, Mugabe came in what to me looked like a Mercedes Benz with Zimbabwe number plates. I can even go as far as to suggest that it was the presidential car he used before the current car he is using. If that is the case, it goes to show that Mugabe can not trust anyone and would rather use his own resources. When he got out the car with his wife Grace, who by the way was looking like she is going top a Hollywood event, they walked hand in hand like two young love birds. Mugabe could not resist but to wave his fist in the air as he walked to his seat. It looked like he thought it was his inauguration!

The arrival of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was also notable. He came dressed in his fully military attire but with shades! I have never seen such a sight before, military clothes and shades! It looks like Gaddafi came with his own security as he was flanked by several ‘bodyguards’. I am reading in todays Sunday Times that Gaddafi almost refused to attend the inauguration after he was met at the airport by minister of arts and culture Pallo Jordan. Gaddafi was expecting to be met by Zuma himself or Motlanthe.

It was great to see Nelson Mandela there with is wife Graca. He had said he would not miss this inauguration for anything. Although it took some time for him to finally settle down at his seat in the podium, it was a moment worth waiting for as he was driven to the podium on a golf cart. Whilst some had thought that Thabo Mbeki would not attend the inauguration, it was pretty obvious that he would be there together with his wife Zanele but to me it did not look like he wanted to be there!

By the time the ’senior’ dignitaries were arriving, the rain had stopped and the grey clouds were disappearing, which was a good sign. President elect (at that time) Jacob Zuma arrived with his first wife Sizakele. Sizakele was dressed in a gold and purple outfit but she needs to smile more! I do not think I saw her smile for a single moment! When Zuma got onto the podium where Mbeki and Mandela were seated, he went over to Mbeki first and they ‘hugged’. The both of them were all smiles, and I wonder what they were saying to each other but I am sure it was all fake! Those two do not like each other deep down. Zuma then went over to Madiba and he kneeled down to talk to him, a sign of great respect.

Oh, how can I forget the arrival of Chief Justice Pius Langa! They have to do something about the chief justice’s outfit! That gown is not suited to the red carpet!

The last person to arrive on the red carpet was outgoing President Kgalema Motlanthe as he arrived alone!With all the dignitaries there, it was now time for Jacob Zuma to be sworn in as president.

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