The government is hopeful that the parties involved in the platinum strike will find an amicable solution soon and allow public focus to move to the inauguration of the president next Saturday.
Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane yesterday unveiled the government's preparations for the May 24 event at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
He said: "It is our hope that role players who are currently negotiating or dealing with the matters relating to the labour dispute in the platinum industry will continue to search for a solution to the problem. [We also hope] that all parties are going to conduct themselves in a manner that will encourage peace and stability and avoid intimidation," he said.
Chabane announced that the National Assembly will convene on May 21 and members of parliament will be sworn in.
This will be followed by the election of the speaker and deputy speaker.
The president will then be elected by the National Assembly and has to be sworn in within five days of that.
At the Union Buildings, 4500 guests will be accommodated at the Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre. Members of the public will be able to follow proceedings via live television broadcast and 47 public viewing areas across the country.
Chabane said he could not divulge the total cost of the presidential inauguration.
"In terms of our estimations, the cost implications will be much less than the cost implications of any other inaugurations that have take place before," Chabane said.
The president is expected to appoint his cabinet a day or two after being sworn in.
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