Mafikeng - Residents of the Miga Village, near Mafikeng, have gathered at their local community hall to witness President-elect Jacob Zuma, being inaugurated.
More than 35 big screens have been set up across the country for those South Africans who cannot make their way to the Union Buildings today but still want to witness the historic occasion.
The proceedings are also being broadcast live on SABC 2 and the E-News channel.
The crowd, young and old, have singing songs of celebration and dancing, despite the grim weather. The villagers have dressed up warmly in big jackets and boots.
Lebogang Mothibi, 26, said he was very excited and looking forward to seeing Mr Zuma being inaugurated as the country's fourth President.
"I am here in this hall to watch the event as it happens at the Union Buildings. This event will be very exciting from the beginning to the end so I do not want to miss it," he said.
Another resident of the small village, Pako Lekone, 33, arrived early to get a good seat in front of the screens. "I came here early and cancelled all my other appointment today. I want to make sure that I do not miss anything that happens at the Union building as from now."
Molebogeng Phiri, 38, who arrived with all her family and friends at the community hall this morning, said she was especially interested in who Mr Zuma's invited guests were and what they were wearing.
"I want to see everything, from the guests and what they are wearing, to the ceremony. But the most important part for me will be later when the President speaks after being inaugurated and what he will say," she said.
John Bogatsu, 24, from Ramatlabama village said he was enjoying the atmosphere at the hall.
North West residents will be able to watch the event on big screens at the following venues: Manthe Village's Tribal Hall, the Lethabong Community Hall in Rustenburg and at the Maquassi Hills' Boskuil Primary School.
