Americans in CT cheer Obama
2008-11-05 07:00
Verashni Pillay
Cape Town - Cheers erupted at the US Consulate General residence in Cape Town on Wednesday morning, when Consulate General Alberta Mayberry announced the results of the presidential election.
"I'd like to announce that Barack Obama is president," she said.
And despite being required to be impartial, Mayberry's huge grin gave her away.
CNN projected that the Illinois senator - who has electrified the US presidential elections with his message of hope - had a clear victory ahead of him.
"It's a historical moment," Mayberry told News24. "The atmosphere here is electric - this is a really fun time."
A crowd of about 150 prominent South Africans and Americans living in Cape Town gathered at the residence in Bishopscourt at 05:00 to watch the election unfold.
"It's refreshing to hear Yank accents in the background," US citizen Dana Myers said, noting that he missed the election buzz in his home country.
Crowds gathered around big television screens projecting the results, amidst red, blue and white streamers and balloons.
Cape Town deputy mayor, Grant Haskins watched alongside comedian Peter Dirk Uys.
Speaker of Parliament Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde was due to address the assembled gathering later over breakfast.
- News24