Parliament - Excitement has begun mounting at the Parliament precinct, where President Jacob Zuma is expected to address the nation in a short while.
The darkness has only just begun lifting, but the cold and drizzly weather is expected to last for the rest of the day.
Parliament has been abuzz with activity since very early. Police begun doing security checks and television camera crews started setting up to broadcast President Zuma's maiden State of the Nation Address from 5am.
The red carpet has been rolled out and swept up as the Members of Parliament, diplomats and invited guests are expected to start arriving shortly. Vibrant colours, elegance, chic and panache are expected in the different trendy garments donned by parliamentarians.
The Air Force Band has set up and the players are fining tuning their instruments. They are expected to play the National Anthem when Mr Zuma arrived to the steps of the National Assembly.
