On Wednesday, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa hailed “the beginning of a new era” as he was inaugurated for a second full term as president. His weakened African National Congress (ANC) managed to secure a hard-fought coalition deal to stay in power. This political achievement was a significant moment in the country’s history, marking a new chapter for Ramaphosa and his administration.
Last week, lawmakers overwhelmingly voted to re-elect the 71-year-old leader after the general election on May 29 yielded no clear winner for the first time in 30 years. Speaking after taking the oath of office at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Ramaphosa remarked, “The formation of a government of national unity is a moment of profound significance. It is the beginning of a new era.”
He emphasized that South African voters did not grant any single party the mandate to govern alone, reflecting a call for collaborative leadership. Addressing lawmakers, foreign dignitaries, religious and traditional leaders, and enthusiastic supporters, he added, “They have directed us to work together to address their plight and realize their aspirations.”
In the coming days, Ramaphosa is expected to announce his cabinet as coalition negotiations continue. Among the distinguished guests at the inauguration were numerous heads of state, including Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Angola’s Joao Lourenco, Congo Brazzaville’s Denis Sassou Nguesso, and King Mswati III of Eswatini.
The ceremony saw guests in suits and elegant dresses arriving early in the chilly winter morning, amid heightened police presence. VIPs, some of whom sang anti-apartheid struggle songs, were ushered into a small amphitheatre within the grand sandstone government building. Meanwhile, other attendees, some waving South African flags, enjoyed performances by dancers and musicians on a large stage outside.
After Ramaphosa took the oath of office for the third time, the national anthem was played, followed by a 21-gun salute and an air force flyover. The former trade unionist turned millionaire businessman initially ascended to power in 2018, succeeding his predecessor Jacob Zuma, who was ousted amid corruption allegations.
Ramaphosa was re-elected for a full term in 2019, and in South Africa’s political system, the parliament elects the president. Promising a new dawn for the nation, Ramaphosa initiated anti-corruption efforts and aimed to reform the deteriorating energy sector. However, his tenure has been marred by economic struggles, frequent power outages, rampant crime, and a soaring unemployment rate of 32.9 percent.
Leading the ANC into the May election, Ramaphosa faced a significant setback as the party’s vote share plummeted to 40 percent from 57.5 percent five years earlier. For the first time since the advent of democracy in 1994, the ANC lost its outright majority in parliament and had to seek coalition partners to remain in power.
The coalition agreement resulted in what is termed a government of national unity, allowing Ramaphosa to comfortably defeat a last-minute challenge from the leftist politician Julius Malema. With 283 out of 400 lawmakers backing him, Ramaphosa retained the presidency. Despite this success, the coalition has faced sharp criticism from the left, including Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters and former president Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), who opposed the inclusion of right-wing parties and the predominantly white, free-market Democratic Alliance (DA).
MK, which finished third in the election, contested the results. Ahead of the inauguration, party spokesman Nhlamulo Ndhlela condemned the event as a “farcical inauguration of Cyril Ramaphosa as the puppet DA-sponsored President,” using a racial slur against the ANC leader.
In his address, Ramaphosa noted that voters were “impatient with political bickering” and urged political parties to prioritize the needs and aspirations of the people. He called for leaders to work together for a stronger economy, better employment opportunities, safer communities, and a government that serves its people effectively.
This new term for Ramaphosa symbolizes a critical moment for South Africa, as the president embarks on his mission to foster unity and drive the country toward a more prosperous future.
12
