President Jacob Zuma supporters came out in their droves on Wednesday morning to see the man in Grahamstown.
President Jacob Zuma supporters came out in their droves on Wednesday morning to see the man in Grahamstown.
As early as 8am, as soldiers arrived and security details scoured every corner, people were taking their places in the demarcated areas to witness the first of the ceremonies to award Zuma the Freedom of the City. As time went on, the number of supporters grew and they passed the time singing praises to Zuma in songs such as, Oh my President.
School Children from St Andrew's Preparatory stood patiently in neat lines, waiting for the proceedings to begin. Standing directly opposite the City Hall were four concerned citizens carrying placards, protesting against the R250 000 budgeted for the event. They said it was an unnecessary expense that could have been avoided.
"This is not personally against Zuma, but it's against the municipality," said Rosemary Smith. She said they were against the council's decision-making which failed to prioritise service delivery. Zuma's arrival at 10am was announced by screaming sirens and flashing blue lights.
The crowd roared at the sight of six traffic officers on motorbikes escorting the presidential motorcade that stopped at the entrance to the City Hall. The cheers rang louder when Zuma stepped out of his lavish BMW, tightly surrounded by his security team, dressed in flashy dark suits.
Zuma walked on to the red carpet leading him into the city hall, but before disappearing he took a brief moment to face the crowd, giving them a generous wave – a well thought-out move, raising another cheer from the crowd in appreciation that Zuma had acknowledged their presence.
When Zuma reappeared after a political briefing with Executive Mayor Zamuxolo Peter and councillors, the military performed a presidential salute, led by the Officer Commanding of 6SAI, Sivuyile Ntsunguzi, outside the City Hall.
This impressive presentation, flawlessly executed, was enhanced by the dramatic arrival of choppers, bearing South African flags. Zuma came down to crowd level to inspect the parade, along with Executive Mayor Zamuxolo Peter and Premier Noxolo Kiviet.
Peter addressed the public and the dignitaries seated alongside, who included Retired Judge President of the Eastern Cape, Judge Somyalo, royalty from the Rharhabe Kingdom, as well as ministers, deputy ministers, MECs and Members of Parliament.
Peter acknowledged the presence of his predecessors, Vumile Lwana and Phumelelo Kate. "They have done stunning work for the people of Makana," Peter said, before welcoming Zuma as an honorary citizen of Makana Municipality. "Today's event is about nation-building, as our town is known as the battlefield of Egazini, after the war between amaXhosa and British Settlers in the early 19th Century.
"Today, Mr President, as the people of Makana, regardless of our historical differences and our historical background, as you can see, we are working together to build a better community." Peter acknowledged the co-operation received from the Defence Force and the Defence Force Ministry, particularly the South African Infantry Battalion.
