By Ebi Kesiena
Cyril Ramaphosa was sworn in for a second term as President of South Africa on Wednesday, marking “the beginning of a new era” following a challenging coalition deal by the African National Congress (ANC) to stay in power.
After a May 29 general election that resulted in no outright winner, lawmakers re-elected the 71-year-old Ramaphosa last week.
“The formation of a government of national unity is a moment of profound significance,” Ramaphosa stated at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, emphasizing the need for cooperation to address the nation’s issues.
Ramaphosa will soon announce his cabinet as coalition talks continue. Several heads of state, including Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Angola’s Joao Lourenco attended the inauguration.
The ceremony included performances, the national anthem, a 21-gun salute, and an air force flypast. This marks the third time Ramaphosa has taken the oath, having first assumed power in 2018 after Jacob Zuma’s resignation amid corruption allegations.
Ramaphosa’s presidency began with promises of a “new dawn,” anti-corruption efforts, and energy reforms. However, his tenure has faced challenges with economic struggles, high crime rates, and rising unemployment, now at 32.9%.
In the recent election, the ANC secured only 40% of the vote, a significant drop from 57.5% five years earlier, losing its absolute majority for the first time since 1994. The ANC has since formed a coalition government, ensuring Ramaphosa’s re-election with 283 out of 400 parliamentary votes, despite strong opposition from Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters and Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK).
