Cape Town - With just hours to go before President Jacob Zuma addresses the South African nation and Parliament in his State of the Nation Address, the country is alive with anticipation at what he will say.
Over the past few days, many different political parties, newspapers, labour movements, opinion-makers, ordinary women, men and children have had their say about what they expect the President to articulate as he officially opens Parliament in Cape Town today.
However, it will be the President’s moment when he starts speaking at 7pm, on what is traditionally known as Valentine’s Day.
The weather in Cape Town started off with overnight rain, which made way for a clear blue sky and a slight wind. By mid-morning, workers were making last-minute finishing touches to make sure that everything is shipshape for the President’s much-awaited speech.
An impressive red carpet, fit for the feet of the President and other dignitaries, was being fixed. Around the Parliamentary precinct, police had mounted road blocks. Normal traffic flows were stopped in the area for the day, while only vehicles with official accreditation were allowed through.
A part of the N2 into Cape Town was due to be closed to traffic later today. Electronic signs in the highway warned motorists of this event, urging them to use the N1.
At Parliament itself, a horde of South African and foreign reporters were getting their accreditation, while some radio stations were broadcasting from here, all speculating on what will be in the speech. By late afternoon, camera crews were taking up position to get the best view of the President's arrival.
All the speculation will end at 7pm when the President speaks. – Sanews.gov.za
