Cape Town - President Jacob Zuma and First Lady Sizakele Khumalo arrived in Parliament to the screams of citizens waving the national flag.
The President looked suave in a black suit and the first lady was decked out in a blue suit and matching black hat and shoes.
Just before the President's arrival, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe greeted the nine premiers before waving at the ceremonial guard of honour.
South African citizens participated in the procession by lining the red carpet and waving the national flag while the army band played the national anthem followed by the 21 gun salute.
While the first lady was a little dressed down this year, many women went all out. Pink, purple, blue, green and turquoise were the colours of the evening, while other chose to wear the usual black.
First daughter Duduzile Zuma looked gorgeous in a flowing, floor length black dress and killer red heels. The Minister of Sport and Recereation's wife went for a striking turquoise dress while the minister looked a little drab in a grey and black suit.
Generations actress, Sophie Ndaba, looked ravishing in a hot pink dress which she accentuated with silver accessories, while Western Cape Social Development MEC Patricia De Lille wore a boring grey suit with a floral black shirt designed by Cape Town designer Florinda.
While many went all out, others chose the safe and boring colours that we see every year proving that the fashion gods definitely did not shine down on Cape Town this evening.
