South Africa has embarked on a “new era,” President Cyril Ramaphosa declared as he was sworn in for a second full term. Despite his party, the African National Congress (ANC), not securing a parliamentary majority in the recent elections, Ramaphosa now leads a coalition government formed with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and other parties.
During his inauguration, Ramaphosa, 71, emphasized the necessity of addressing the country’s deep-seated inequalities to prevent instability. “Through the ballots that they have cast, the people of South Africa have made plain their expectation that the leaders of our country should work together,” he stated solemnly. He urged leaders to “put aside animosity and dissent, to abandon narrow interests, and to pursue together only that which benefits the nation.”
The inauguration, held in the Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre outside the Union Building in Pretoria, saw the attendance of South African dignitaries and African heads of state, including those from Nigeria, Angola, Zimbabwe, Congo-Brazzaville, and Eswatini. A massive crowd of supporters, waving national flags, gathered outside the seat of government. Under a clear blue winter sky, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo administered the oath of office, followed by a rendition of the national anthem, a 21-gun salute, and a fly-past by army helicopters.
The ANC has ruled South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994. However, the recent elections saw the party receive only 40% of the vote, a significant drop that resulted in the loss of 70 parliamentary seats. To maintain governance, the ANC formed a coalition with the DA, which secured 22% of the vote, and three smaller parties. The coalition, moving towards the political center, aims to address infrastructure issues, basic services, and job creation.
Despite the historic coalition, Ramaphosa acknowledged the country’s persistent inequalities. “Our society remains deeply unequal and highly polarized,” he said. “There are toxic cleavages and an incipient social fragmentation that can easily turn into instability.” He cautioned against those seeking to destabilize the nation, asserting that “South Africans are resolute.”
Notably absent from the inauguration was the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, formed six months ago by former President Jacob Zuma. The party, which secured 15% of votes and 58 parliamentary seats, has boycotted the coalition government, with Zuma denouncing it as an “unholy alliance” between black and white elites. Zuma warned that the coalition’s policies must be opposed “in the streets, in the courts, and in parliament.”
Ramaphosa is set to appoint a cabinet comprising members from the DA and three smaller parties, with the coalition holding 68% of parliamentary seats. His administration is expected to introduce policies aimed at revitalizing the struggling economy.
South Africa faces numerous challenges, including potential ideological clashes within the coalition, dissatisfaction from the ANC’s left-wing elements, and the risk of volatile opposition. However, the president remains optimistic. “This is a moment when we must choose to either move forward together,” Ramaphosa said, “or risk losing all we have built.”
Ramaphosa, a former trade unionist and business tycoon, first assumed the presidency in 2018 following Zuma’s resignation amid corruption allegations, which Zuma has consistently denied. As Ramaphosa steps into his second term, the nation watches closely, hopeful for unity and progress in this unprecedented coalition government.
