Cyril Ramaphosa has been sworn in for a second full term in office as the South African president, despite failing to secure a majority in parliament in last month’s election for his party, the African National Congress (ANC).
The country’s lawmakers had re-elected him as president this past week after a deal was brokered between the ANC, its long-time rival, Democratic Alliance (DA) and other parties to form a coalition government.
The ANC had been the number one party in the country since the termination of apartheid in 1994, but for the very first time, it lost its majority after the 29 May election produced no explicit winner.
What They’re Saying
Ramaphosa had said during his swearing-in ceremony:
“I swear I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa… I will obey, observe and uphold the constitution and all other laws of the republic.
Several dignitaries, including African heads of states, had attended the ceremony.
The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice, Raymond Zondo.
Ramaphosa is expected to appoint a cabinet in the nearest future. This cabinet will include new coalition partners – the DA and three other smaller parties. Altogether, the coalition accounts for 68% of seats in parliament.
Ramaphosa is also expected to set out an agenda to rescue the floundering economy which he fumbled in his previous administration. It will be interesting to see how he handles electricity cuts, the high unemployment rates and rising crime in the country this time around.
