Opening of South Africa's Parliament
-
Photo 1 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comThe 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. -
Photo 2 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comColourful prints are the order of the day. -
Photo 3 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comAn arriving dignitary sports traditional African face-paint. -
Photo 4 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comBright colours reflect the 'Rainbow Nation'. -
Photo 5 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comEven some members of the media get into the 'traditional' spirit. -
Photo 6 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comDancers entertain spectators as delegates and guests arrive at the parliamentary buildings in the run-up to the President's official walk up the Red Carpet. -
Photo 7 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comThe Red Carpet is kept in pristine condition before Mbeki's arrival. -
Photo 8 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comHelen Zille, leader of the official opposition (the Democratic Alliance), is interviewed as she arrives at the parliamentary buildings. -
Photo 9 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comZille uses the opportunity to voice her expectations and thoughts about Mbeki's pending State of the Nation address. -
Photo 10 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comSecurity is tight. -
Photo 11 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comPolice presence is heavy. -
Photo 12 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comFlag-bearers line the Red Carpet in readiness for the President's walk. -
Photo 13 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comMembers of the press position themselves strategically to make sure they get the best view possible. -
Photo 14 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comKenneth Meshoe, leader of the African Christian Democratic Party, is stopped for an interview as he arrives. His wife Lydia looks on. -
Photo 15 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comSpectators await the start of the ceremony. -
Photo 16 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comProceedings begin with a marching, bagpipe-playing Scottish band. -
Photo 17 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comThe National Ceremonial Guard marches smartly into position in front of Parliament. -
Photo 18 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comAn officer takes the group through a few drills as a cameraman films the display. -
Photo 19 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comThe Guard awaits the arrival of the President. -
Photo 20 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comAn Army band stands to attention in front of Parliament. -
Photo 21 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comPhotographers get their lenses ready. -
Photo 22 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comJudges, having made their way up the red carpet, continue into Parliament. -
Photo 23 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comAir Force band starts up the national anthem. -
Photo 24 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comPresident Thabo Mbeki arrives and stands to attention while the band plays South Africa's national anthem. To his left is the Speaker of Parliament Baleka Mbete; to his right, Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Nguka and the First Lady, Zanele Mbeki. -
Photo 25 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comOnce the State of the Nation address is over, MPs, dignitaries and guests have a chance to gather in front of parliament, connect with each other and catch up with old friends. -
Photo 26 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comSharing a laugh on the parliamentary steps. -
Photo 27 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comDelegates enjoying the occasion. -
Photo 28 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comLeader of the Independent Democrats, Patricia de Lille, is swamped by the media for comment. -
Photo 29 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.com'If the hat fits, wear it' - or so the saying goes. Hats are always a bright feature of the opening of parliament, and this year is no exception. Hats and headdresses in all shapes and sizes, reflecting a variety of cultural traditions, are on full display. -
Photo 30 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfricaGeometric designs.... -
Photo 31 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comPrints... -
Photo 32 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comFeathers.... -
Photo 33 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comDelicate fabrics.... -
Photo 34 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comBeads.... -
Photo 35 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comWide brims.... -
Photo 36 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comAnd gigantic ribbons. -
Photo 37 of 37Credit: Helen Kilbey/allAfrica.comStaff sit in the shade, waiting for everyone to go home so they can begin the task of cleaning up, getting Parliament ready for another year.
Comments Post a comment