Pretoria - Twenty-one heads of state have so far confirmed they will be attending ANC leader Jacob Zuma's inauguration as the country's fourth democratically-elected president, the foreign affairs department said on Wednesday.
Director general Ayanda Ntsaluba told the media in Pretoria that confirmations were continuing to flow in for the May 9 festivities. The foreign delegate's list would become clearer around Monday or Tuesday.
"So far 21 heads of state have confirmed that they are coming and there are also 20 other countries that would be coming."
Ntsaluba said the 20 other countries would be represented mostly by their foreign ministers and special envoys.
He would not elaborate on which heads of state would come, as it was a "sensitive matter" and there were security concerns. He did however confirm that US President Barack Obama would not be present.
Meanwhile, preparations for the approximately R75m inauguration at the Union Buildings were well under way with workmen busy and scaffolding scattered across the grounds.
Director general Ayanda Ntsaluba told the media in Pretoria that confirmations were continuing to flow in for the May 9 festivities. The foreign delegate's list would become clearer around Monday or Tuesday.
"So far 21 heads of state have confirmed that they are coming and there are also 20 other countries that would be coming."
Ntsaluba said the 20 other countries would be represented mostly by their foreign ministers and special envoys.
He would not elaborate on which heads of state would come, as it was a "sensitive matter" and there were security concerns. He did however confirm that US President Barack Obama would not be present.
Meanwhile, preparations for the approximately R75m inauguration at the Union Buildings were well under way with workmen busy and scaffolding scattered across the grounds.
- SAPA
2 comments:
So much money is going to be wasted on an inauguration in a country where thousands of people live in dire poverty. Why flaunt so much? Real charity starts at home... and they will vote him again into power, he just needs to canvass again by donating some food parcels and blankets. Maria Helena
Indeed, such a waste of money is really disgusting!
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