South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa was sworn in for a second term in a ceremony held in Pretoria, the administrative capital. This follows his reelection with the support of a coalition of parties, marking a significant shift in the country's political landscape.
Ramaphosa, who will now form a Cabinet in a new coalition government, faced the challenge of governing without a parliamentary majority after his party, the African National Congress, lost in the recent election. He secured his reelection with the backing of the main opposition party and a smaller third party, leading to the formation of a government of national unity.
The inauguration ceremony, attended by dignitaries including King Mswati III of Eswatini and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, featured a 21-gun salute and a flyover by the South African Air Force. The event was also marked by cultural performances that entertained the gathered citizens.
In his address to the nation, Ramaphosa acknowledged the electorate's call for collaborative governance, emphasizing the need to work together to address the country's challenges and fulfill the aspirations of its people. He recognized the existing societal divisions and pledged to focus on creating job opportunities, improving basic services, and tackling inequality.
However, the task ahead for the new coalition government is daunting, given the ideological differences among its members on key issues such as land redistribution, electricity supply, and affirmative action. While some major parties have joined the coalition, others, including the party led by former President Jacob Zuma and the Economic Freedom Fighters party, have opted out.
Despite the challenges, Ramaphosa's administration is poised to navigate the complexities of leading a diverse coalition government and addressing the pressing needs of the South African population. The formation of the new Cabinet, comprising multiple parties with varying viewpoints, remains a critical step in shaping the country's future direction.
