“Twenty years of democracy”. That statement is starting to sound like a loop from a broken tape record, right? But it’s not without reason. We’ve made massive strides in since ’94 and  it’s only fair that we continue to celebrate this milestone because it is OUR democracy. It only makes sense to celebrate such achievements. With that said, colourful masses gathered at the Union Building  on Saturday with one thing in common: the inheritance of our freedom, the continuation of our democracy and the inauguration of President Jacob Zuma.

From the fighter planes that decorated the sky before the President was sworn in, to the continental dignitaries that joined the festivities, the entire event was a spectacle. What was even more exciting was seeing the youth’s enthusiasm towards this event – a sign that youth apathy in politics may be heading for a much-welcomed exit!

This isn’t to say the event was without it’s faults. Twitter went ablaze with negative comments when was posted of the public’s lunch-pack. Featuring four slices of brown bread, a dry looking piece of chicken and a can of wannabe “Fanta Orange”, some said the lunch was representative of how the government dispenses basic services: cheaply and insultingly. Others complained about the lack of space, complaining that they could not get in because by 11 a.m. the premises were already full. There were a couple of people who were arguing with the police officers, pleading for an entrance, demanding to be included in the honour of the president. “I have the right to be inside, I did not come here just to sit outside,” said an annoyed woman to the officers outside the Union Building.

Despite all the complaints; the inauguration was a general success. However only time will tell whether the President makes good use of his second term. He would do well to amend the mistakes of his first term because, as we all know, nostalgia doesn’t deliver services.

Words and photography by yours truly. Follow me on Twitter: @Ric3hard

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