The Inter-Ministerial Committee is pleased to announce that arrangements are in place for the inauguration of the new President of South Africa on 16 June 1999.
It is expected that numerous Heads of State will be attending this special event in our history. The formal inauguration ceremony will take place in the Amphitheatre of the Union Buildings on the morning of 16 June 1999.
A special logo has been designed for this occasion which symbolises the potential of the African Continent as we approach the new millenium. The Venda word, Faranani encapsulates the spirit of this inauguration - support for one another and an embrace of the future.
Numerous festivities are being planned to celebrate not only the inauguration of the new President but also to remember the youth on this special day. All nine provinces will host celebrations which will be included in the special television transmission to viewers not only in South Africa but around the world.
A soccer match in honour of the new President will be held at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg at 15:00 on 16 June between South Africa and Zimbabwe. The Comrades Marathon will honour the legacy of Mr Mandela as a ‘Hero of the Nation’.
A ‘People’s Concert’ will take place on the lawns of the Union Buildings on 16 June from 13:00 to 21:00. The concert will celebrate, in a South African way, the inauguration of the new President and bid farewell to Mr Mandela. The event will open with brief speeches from both the incoming and the outgoing presidents. There will also be a special presentation from the youth of South Africa in recognition of Youth Day.
After the formalities, the people will dance to some of the best South African talent and popular sounds from the continent. The event will cater for a mixture of genres including jazz, kwaito, gospel, reggae, pop, rock and traditional music. Overall, the event will cater for all South Africans. Transport will be provided for the general public at selected pick-up points.
On the evening of 16 June invited VIP guests will attend a music event at the State Theatre in Pretoria where a number of popular local and African artists will be performing. This event will also be covered live by the SABC. The music event will be followed by a banquet hosted by the new President in honour of the outgoing President, Mr Nelson Mandela.
The event will be marked by strict security. No traditional or any other weapons will be allowed.
Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp