Cape Town - With only a few hours left before President Jacob Zuma delivers the State of the Nation Address in Parliament, the final touches are being made to the Parliamentary precinct.
Workers are busy ensuring the red carpet is swept clean, lights are all in working order and draping is secured. Many streets around Cape Town's CBD have been closed ahead of the event.
The South African Military Health Services Band is also completing setting up.
Despite a few showers earlier on in the afternoon, the weather, pegged at 29 degrees Celsius, seems to be perfect for the occasion, one of the biggest events on the country's government calendar.
The State of the Nation Address is a full ceremonial event involving a mounted police escort and a military ceremonial motor escort. The President's route will be lined by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
Once the President arrives, there will be a national salute by the Ceremonial Guard of the SANDF, a fly-past by the South African Air Force and a 21-gun salute.
Ministers, judiciary officials, diplomats, foreign guests and other dignitaries will also ensure that the affair is vibrant. Every year, what attendees wear attracts a lot of attention.
