Lavish welcome for Zuma
2010-03-03 07:26
London - President Jacob Zuma officially kicks off a state visit to Britain on Wednesday which will mix lavish pomp and ceremony with sporting trips and talks on Zimbabwe.
The president and Thobeka Madiba Zuma, the newest of his three wives, flew in to London Heathrow Airport on Tuesday ahead of the official start of the visit.
Zuma, 67, is escaping a damaging scandal at home over his 20th child - a lovechild born to the daughter of an official organising this year's Soccer World Cup.
Statesman
"This is his opportunity to present himself as a statesman, leading Africa's most powerful nation," said South African political analyst Dirk Kotze.
Britain will lay on a lavish banquet and state splendour before getting down to talks about Zimbabwe, climate change and other pressing issues between the two Commonwealth countries.
Queen Elizabeth II, 83, usually hosts one or two visiting heads of state each year, when British pageantry goes on full display.
Zuma and his latest wife - whom he married in January - will receive a ceremonial welcome Wednesday on Horse Guards parade ground in central London where the queen and her husband Prince Philip formally greet their guests.
In a sign the meeting of the major trade partners is considered important, Prime Minister Gordon Brown will miss the weekly prime minister's question time at midday in parliament in order to attend the ceremony.
Zuma will later meet opposition Conservative leader David Cameron, who could soon be prime minister if he wins a forthcoming election.
Speech at state banquet
Queen Elizabeth will also give a glittering state banquet in the palace ballroom on Wednesday, when both the sovereign and the president will make their major speeches.
On Thursday, Zuma visits Brown for political talks and will address members of parliament.
Zuma's office said the president and Brown would discuss the fragile unity government in Zimbabwe, which has failed to make major headway since it was installed a year ago.
His visit comes as South Africa prepares to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup, and as England readies its own bid for the 2018 World Cup.
Zuma will also visit Wembley Stadium, the home of English football, and kick a symbolic penalty on the pitch.
On Friday, the queen will formally say farewell to Zuma before he visits Prince Charles.
- SAPA