Africa 24 Media Photography

A 600-strong military guard of honour comprising the South African Army, Air Force, Navy and the Military Health Services flocked the streets from Adderley Street all the way up to Parliament’s entrance to mark the opening of South African parliament in Cape Town. The occasion gave an opportunity for new legislatures, VIPs, entertainers and the country’s jubilant men and women folk the chance to usher in and celebrate a new dawn of leadership fronted by President Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma.

In his maiden State of the Nation Address at the parliamentary chambers, the President, who also received a 21-gun salute fired as a mark of respect to him, vowed to fight poverty, improve education and healthcare, fight crime and corruption, and most important of all, carry on the legacy of uniting the peoples of the Rainbow Nation as pioneered by anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela. Zuma was elected president after the ruling African National Congress decisively won elections in April. The man who loves to dance on stage is hailed as a hero among many poor South Africans who are optimistic that he will drive them out of poverty and instill a sense of economic equality.

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