His Majesty King Letsie III will be among heads of state who will witness the inauguration of South African third democratically elected president.

The glittering function will be staged at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa on Saturday.

According to the information from Foreign Affairs Information Office, His Majesty will be accompanied by Her majesty Queen 'Masenate Mohato Seeiso, Foreign Affairs and International Relations Minister, Mr. Mohlabi Tsekoa as well as Senior Private Secretary at the Palace, Mr. Mabotse Lerotholi among others.

They will leave on Friday and return home on Sunday.

The inauguration of the South African President follows overwhelming victory of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) at the April 22 parliamentary and provincial elections.

The ANC won 66 percent of the polls, while Democratic Alliance managed grabbed 16 percent. The break away party from ANC, which was formed four months before the elections, Congress of the People (COPE) settled for over seven percent votes.

Meanwhile, over 100 heads of state have been invited to attend the inauguration, which is estimated to cost M75 million.

President Elect, Mr. Jacob Zuma succeeds then President Thabo Mbeki who was recalled by the ANC last year. Mr. Kgalema Motlanthe was elected by the ruling party to act as president.

The newly elected president will be expected to announce his cabinet immediately after his inauguration.

Source: LENA 06/05/2009