Parliament - President Jacob Zuma is due to deliver his maiden State of the Nation address at a joint sitting of Parliament later on this morning.
In office for under a month, the speech is a chance for Mr Zuma to rally South Africans behind his vision and Government's programme of action as well as to set out his vision for his new administration.
He is expected to reflect key priorities for the party, including jobs, health, crime, education and focus on rural development and how his government will intervene to ensure that the poor are shielded from the increasingly bleak economy.
Dancers, drum beats and chorus have started singing from as early as 6am, in the rather dark mother city, ready to welcome the dignitaries attending the address.
On Tuesday the Nelson Mandela Foundation confirmed that the 90-year-old statesman would attend the event, accompanied by his wife, Graca Machel. It will be the first State of the Nation address Mandela has attended since 2004.
Other former presidents where are also invited and expected to attend.
Parliament's theme for the State of the Nation Address is "Parliament entrenching people-centred democracy in achieving development goals.
The day will begin with Members of Parliament and other dignitaries walking the red carpet to take up their seats in the National Assembly.
The event is usually dominated by vibrant colours, elegance, chic and panache shown in the different trendy garments donned by parliamentarians.
It is a full ceremonial one - involving a mounted police escort and a military ceremonial motor escort, the lining of the President's route to Parliament by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), a national salute by the Ceremonial Guard of the SANDF and a military band (the Air Force Band on this occasion), a fly-past by the South African Air Force and a 21-gun salute.
It also includes civilian participation in the walk by the President, accompanied by Parliament's Presiding Officers, from the Slave Lodge to the saluting dais in front of the New Wing, where the National Assembly Chamber is located.
Meanwhile, while many will follow the State of the Nation address on radio and television, a group of about 400 ordinary South Africans have been invited as guests to the event. Comprising of school children and civil society activists, the group will form the guard of honour.
President Zuma's address is due to start at 11am and to be broadcast live on radio and TV. Big screens have also been set up at various sites in the provinces to ensure that all South Africans have access to the event.
