Last touches ahead of Mugabe visit

Pretoria - Artillery corps soldiers in pristine uniforms buffed their cannons ahead of the salute for Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, who visited the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Wednesday for a meeting with President Jacob Zuma.

A lone trumpeter stood in wait at the top of the first steps to herald the arrival of Mugabe's entourage on the cloudy day.

Groundsmen swept away the last leaves brought down by autumn rain and a man vacuumed an already spotless red carpet leading to the inner sanctum of the Herbert Baker-designed government offices.

Zimbabwean and South African flags lined the boulevard outside the buildings with a statue commemorating soldiers who died at Delville Wood in France looking over a statue further down of former president Nelson Mandela.

Among those arriving early to pass several security checks were members of Zimbabwe's delegation looking for their names on the guest list.

Mugabe, who is also the chairperson of the African Union, is expected to sign bilateral agreements with Zuma.