Mbeki and Motlanthe arrive.
Former president Thabo Mbeki and former deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe arrived for president-elect Jacob Zuma's inauguration after 11am on Saturday at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Mbeki and Motlanthe received loud cheers and screams as they walked down the red carpet, one after the other, both accompanied by their wives.
Three of Zuma's wives had also arrived to a loud applause. Zuma was due to arrive shortly.
Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng arrived and took his place on the stage.
Local and foreign dignitaries continued to stream in and 4500 were expected to attend. A further 20,000 people were expected to watch from the south lawns.
The ceremony was due to begin with inter-faith prayers, followed by a recital of the Preamble to the Constitution of South Africa, before Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng swears in Zuma.
Zuma was due to take the oath of office before he signs the swearing-in certificate, followed by a congratulatory item by imbongi Zolani Mkiva.
Zuma will address the nation after taking the national salute as the SA Air Force executes a fly-past and the SA Defence Force performs a 21-gun salute.
After a rendition of the national anthem and a civilian fly-past by SA Airways, Zuma will address those on the south lawns.
-Sapa