Despite the fact that his party, the African National Congress (ANC), did not win a parliamentary majority in the election held last month, Cyril Ramaphosa has formally begun his second term as president of South Africa.
“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,” Ramaphosa said as Chief Justice Raymond Zondo administered the oath of office.
Ramaphosa was re-elected by parliamentarians last week after an agreement to form a coalition government with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and other parties. With no clear winner in the May 29 election, the ANC, which has ruled since apartheid ended in 1994, lost its majority for the first time, necessitating the formation of this partnership.
Several African heads of state were among the dignitaries in attendance during the inauguration ceremony. A 21-gun salute, military fly-bys, musical and artistic performances, and a parade by the national defense forces were all part of the festivities.
Leading former president Jacob Zuma’s newly established uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party declined to take part in what they called a “farcical” inauguration. This party also abstained from last Friday’s first parliamentary session, despite winning 15% of the vote and 58 parliamentary seats.
Ramaphosa maintained the president through a power-sharing agreement with the pro-business Democratic Alliance (DA) and other parties, despite the ANC losing 70 seats and its vote share declining by 17 percentage points. With 22% of the vote, the DA trailed behind the ANC with 40%. Left-wing and populist breakaway parties who declined to join the unity government were not included in this coalition, which leaned toward the center of politics.
In the near future, Ramaphosa is anticipated to unveil a new cabinet that will include of DA members as well as three smaller coalition partners, who together hold 68% of the legislative seats. His next agenda probably will center on reviving the flagging economy, which has been beset by ongoing problems like high unemployment, rising crime, and power outages.
In 2018, Ramaphosa took over as president following the resignation of Jacob Zuma, who refuted accusations of wrongdoing.