For a second term, Cyril Ramaphosa has been inaugurated as the President of South Africa, this time as a member of a coalition government.
His party, the African National Congress (ANC), ceded its dominant position after three decades of governance following apartheid’s end.
President Ramaphosa arrived at the ceremony in Pretoria on Wednesday, flanked by a horse-mounted honor guard, observing the event were African leaders and dignitaries.
During the oath-taking, supporters displayed flags, and planes flew in formation overhead.
Cyril Ramaphosa takes the oath of office. Pic: Reuters
“In our marvelous diversity, we convene to affirm our deep-seated belief that this nation is for all who inhabit it,” stated the president to the audience.
“Recognizing that no single party can rule or legislate alone, these parties have committed to collaborating, utilizing their skills for the benefit of the nation and its people.”
People gather to watch the ceremony. Pic: Reuters
President Ramaphosa will lead a united national administration alongside five other parties, including the ANC’s primary competitor and vocal opponent, the Democratic Alliance (DA).
While investors welcome the involvement of the DA, experts caution that substantial ideological disparities between the parties may destabilize the government.
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Prior to the election, President Ramaphosa signed a National Health Insurance bill into law, a measure contested by the DA, stating it could collapse an ailing healthcare system.
The fate of this legislation under the new regime remains uncertain. The DA proposes ending the ANC’s flagship black economic empowerment policy, arguing its inefficacy – a contentious issue in a nation grappling with deep-rooted inequalities, some stemming from apartheid.
