Ramaphosa sworn in for second term as coalition government begins
On Wednesday, Cyril Ramaphosa was inaugurated as the President of the Republic of South Africa. The ceremony took place at the Union Buildings in Tshwane, witnessed by thousands of South African citizens.
The event was attended by members of parliament, foreign dignitaries, and heads of state who gathered to celebrate this momentous occasion.
This inauguration marks the beginning of a new era under Ramaphosa’s leadership as he officially begins his second term as President. This comes despite the African National Congress (ANC) failing to secure a parliamentary majority during last month’s elections.
In response, the ANC formed a coalition government with its long-time rival, the Democratic Alliance (DA), and other opposition parties. The inauguration, held under the theme “30 Years of Democracy: Partnership and Growth,” symbolises this new political landscape.
In his inaugural address, President Ramaphosa emphasised the need for unity and cooperation among political leaders. He also cautioned that failure to address deep-rooted inequalities could lead to governmental instability.
“The South African people have clearly expressed their desire for political cooperation through their votes,” Ramaphosa stated. “They have instructed their representatives to set aside differences, abandon self-interest, and work together for the nation’s benefit.”
Many young people from Tshwane and surrounding areas attended the ceremony, hoping to gain insights into their prospects, especially given the high unemployment rates among graduates.
Thando Zulu, a law graduate from UNISA, shared his excitement about attending his first presidential inauguration. “It’s incredible to be part of this generation celebrating 30 years of democracy,” he remarked. “The presence of international dignitaries underscores the global support for our democratic process and showcases South Africa’s potential on the world stage.”
The ceremony concluded with President Ramaphosa taking the oath of office as prescribed by Schedule 2 of the South African Constitution, formally beginning his second term. The event drew a diverse crowd of South Africans from across the country, all eager to witness this significant moment in their nation’s history.
