The official opening of South Africa's Parliament on Friday 8 February 2008 was an opportunity for MPs, VIPs, entertainers, spectators and members of the press to get into the spirit of the occasion and celebrate a new South African year in style. AllAfrica's Helen Kilbey was there with a camera, to give a glimpse into what went on outside the walls of the parliamentary chambers where President Thabo Mbeki gave his State of the Nation address. Above: A group of pensioner spectators arrive at Parliament dressed in their traditional finery.

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