Upon his weaker African National Congress (ANC) striking a hard-won government coalition pact to remain in power, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa celebrated “the beginning of a new era” on Wednesday as he was sworn in for a second full term as president.
Last week, lawmakers decisively voted to re-elect the 71-year-old following a general election on May 29 that resulted in no clear winner for the first president in thirty years.
““The formation of a government of national unity is a moment of profound significance. It is the beginning of a new era,” Ramaphosa stated this following his oath of office in a formal ceremony held at the Pretoria government headquarters, the Union Buildings.
The voters of South Africa did not give any single party the full mandate to govern our country alone,” he added, speaking before lawmakers, foreign dignitaries, religious and traditional leaders and cheering supporters.
“They have directed us to work together to address their plight and realise their aspirations.”
As negotiations with coalition partners continue, Ramaphosa is anticipated to unveil his cabinet in the next few days.
Several heads of state attended the inauguration, including King Mswati III of Eswatini, Joao Lourenco of Angola, Denis Sassou Nguesso of Congo Brazzaville, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria.
This marked Ramaphosa’s third oath-taking ceremony.
