On Wednesday, June 19, Cyril Ramaphosa was sworn in for his second term as South Africa’s president in a ceremony held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The inauguration marked a historic moment as Ramaphosa leads the first coalition government in the country’s democratic history, following the African National Congress (ANC) losing its parliamentary majority in the recent elections.
The ANC, which secured just 40 percent of the vote, formed a coalition with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and other smaller parties, including the Inkatha Freedom Party, the Patriotic Alliance, and the GOOD Party. This coalition, dubbed a government of national unity, was established to address the pressing issues facing South Africa, such as economic inequality, unemployment, and social unrest.
In his inauguration speech, Ramaphosa acknowledged the voters’ message of dissatisfaction and emphasized the need for collaborative governance. “The voters of South Africa did not give any single party the full mandate to govern our country alone. They have directed us to work together to address their plight and realize their aspirations,” he stated. Ramaphosa also highlighted the deep inequalities and polarization within South African society, stressing the importance of unity and cooperation.
The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including King Mswati III of Eswatini, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The event featured a 21-gun salute and a flyover by the South African Air Force, along with performances by local musicians and cultural dancers.
Ramaphosa’s administration faces significant challenges, given the ideological differences among the coalition partners. The DA, known for its focus on structural reforms and fiscal prudence, has differing views from the ANC on key issues such as Black economic empowerment and the recently signed National Health Insurance bill. Analysts predict that these differences could lead to instability within the coalition.
Despite these potential hurdles, the business community has generally welcomed the inclusion of the DA in the government, hoping it will bring about much-needed economic stability. Ramaphosa has pledged to create new job opportunities and improve basic services like housing, healthcare, and clean water.
As Ramaphosa negotiates the formation of his new cabinet, he aims to avoid prolonged uncertainty and ensure that the government can effectively address the country’s challenges. The coalition’s success will depend on the ability of its diverse members to work together for the common good of South Africa.
