Parliament – MPs have started arriving at the parliamentary precinct ahead of Thursday night's State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Economic Freedom Fighters deputy leader and chief whip Floyd Shivambu and fellow MP Marshall Dlamini took a walk on the red carpet before stepping into their offices in the Marks Building, which houses most of the opposition parties.
IFP MP Narend Singh on the right. Photo: ANA Both were dressed in their trademark red overalls. IFP MP Narend Singh smiled for the cameras as he too arrived hours before the speech was due to start. President Jacob Zuma is expected to walk the red carpet later before delivering his speech at 7pm. He will by accompanied by the deputy president, members of the judiciary, premiers, and mayors.
MPs are starting to arrive #SONA2017 @IOL pic.twitter.com/joWQreoVOA
— Kim Kay (@Kim_M_Kay) February 9, 2017
A tight security net has been thrown around Parliament. Many roads around Parliament have been blocked by traffic officers, with pedestrians only allowed limited access around the precinct. On virtually every corner a group of police officers can be seen watching their surroundings with an eagle eye.
Mayor Patricia de Lille Joe Mcgluwa, DA leader in the North West Picture: @TheCapeArgus DA leader Mmusi Maimane and his wife Natalie Picture: @TheCapeArgus The ACDP's Steve Swart and his wife Louise Picture: Kim Kay/@IOL Chairperson of IEC SouthAfrica Mr Vuma Mashinini Picture: @ParliamentofRSA Picture: Kim Kay/@IOL Picture: Kim Kay/@IOL Picture: Kim Kay/@IOL ANC MPs Hellen Kekana (left) and Masefako Dikgale (right). Picture: ANA ANC MP Lindiwe Maseko Picture: ANA Mandla Mandela and his wife Nosekeni Rabia Picture: Kim Kay/@IOL National Assembly MPs pose for photographers. Picture: ANA
Mandla and Rabia Mandela #SONA2017 @IOL pic.twitter.com/FTWwbZXrHf
Dr Iqbal Survé, Executive Chairman of Sekunjalo and Independent Media Picture: ANA— Kim Kay (@Kim_M_Kay) February 9, 2017 ANC MP Dumisani Ximbi and wife Ntombethemba. Picture: ANA ANC MP Dudu Mathebe Picture: ANA Dali Tambo and wife Rachel and son Oliver Picture: Kim Kay/@IOL
Dali Tambo arrives with his wife and son talking about inspiration behind outfits. #SONA2017 @IOL pic.twitter.com/glvfwxTcpr
— Tshego Lepule (@tshegofatsang) February 9, 2017
ANC MP Mziwamadoda Kalako and partner Irene. Picture: ANA NFP leader Zanele kaMagwazi-Msibi arrives in a stunning red gown sporting a pair of takkies. Picture: @tshegofatsang/@IOL EFF MPS Marshall Dlamini, chief whip Floyd Shivambu and general-secretary Godrich Gardee Picture: ANA National Assembly House chairwoman Thoko Didiza Picture: ANA
Government official Nonceba Losi, right, brought her sister along. Picture: ANA State Security Minister David Mahlobo Picture: Kim Kay/@IOL Western Cape Premier Helen Zille Picture: Kim Kay/@IOL African News Agency