Cyril Ramaphosa Re-elected as South African President Amid Coalition Government
In Pretoria, Cyril Ramaphosa was sworn in for a second term as South Africa’s president. This comes after a decisive coalition formation with the African National Congress (ANC) and the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), following the ANC's loss of its parliamentary majority in the May 29 election.
Ramaphosa was re-elected by Members of Parliament with additional support from other smaller parties, ensuring a coalition majority. This marks South Africa's first coalition government since the end of apartheid.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Union Buildings and was officiated by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. Attending dignitaries included King Mswati III of Eswatini, Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu, Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In this government of national unity, Ramaphosa is tasked with navigating starkly differing policy positions between the coalition parties, particularly on issues like affirmative action and corruption. The ANC, traditionally supportive of historical allies like Russia and Palestine, faces differing views from the DA. Ramaphosa's leadership will be crucial in balancing these differences.
The coalition aims to stabilize South Africa’s economy, which saw positive movement in stocks and the rand following the coalition announcement. This new government structure is pivotal as South Africa seeks to manage internal challenges and bolster its role as an economic leader on the continent.