Parliament - Excitement reached fever point at Parliament as the President of the country Jacob Zuma arrived to deliver his maiden State of the Nation Address.
Dressed in a charcoal suit and green tie, Mr Zuma has taken his seat in the National Assembly, along with Members of Parliament and other guests.
He is accompanied by his wife Sizakele Khumalo, in a bright pink, yellow and blue dress and hat and Speaker of Parliament, Max Sisulu.
Ma Khumalo had a small slip down the stairs of the National Assembly but was helped by presidential aides. When the President realized what had happened, he put a comforting hand on her shoulder and the two smiled brightly for the crowds.
With his hand held to his chest, President Zuma stood for a national salute by the Ceremonial Guard of the SANDF while the Air Force Band rendered the national anthem.
A 21 gun salute followed.
Ahead of his arrival, African drums played outside the Nation Assembly and a Guard of Honour was formed to welcome him. South African flags lined the streets of Parliament and stood proud.
People who braved the rain, and were lining the entrance to the House also had hand-held flags.
Due to the rain coming down heavily, a contingency plan was put it place. The President did not make his usual long walk down the red carpet to the steps on the National Assembly; instead he entered through the National Council of Provinces.
Police hurriedly cordoned off the area moments before his arrival to ensure security was kept a priority.
Members of the public, school children, journalists and South African National Defence Force members were filled with pride as the specially-made vehicle with large windows arrived.
MPs and guests, many of them sporting outfits specially made for the occasion, had earlier posed for photographers as they arrived on the red carpet for the ceremony.
Former President Nelson Mandela also graced the occasion, but arrived through a private entrance.
Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe arrived wearing a grey suit with a stunning blue shirt and yellow-striped. He gave a waived to the crowds before making his way p the NCOP stairs.
In what could have been easily mistaken for a fashion show, members of the media and onlookers jostled for space to catch a glimpse of public figures dressed in colourful attire, denoting South Africa's diverse ethnic groups.
There was a mix of traditional dress, Afro-chic and more conventional designer- and store-bought outfits, think bright pink, royal blue, yellow gold.
