President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa (left) welcomes President Bola Tinubu during his inauguration for a second term at the Union Building in Pretoria…on Wednesday.
South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, was sworn in for a second term on Wednesday pledging to serve his people selflessly.
He was sworn in for a second full term as President of one of Africa’s biggest economies after his ruling African National Congress (ANC) struck a coalition deal.
In Pretoria, he declared in his inaugural speech that his administration would work according to the people’s wishes. He vowed that “neither discord nor dissent shall cause us to cast aside that which calls us to build a united, free, just, equal, and prosperous nation.”
In his words: “We affirm our resolute quest to build a growing and inclusive economy that offers opportunities and livelihoods to all people. We rededicate ourselves to the task of democratic renewal as well as social and economic transformation so that no one is left behind.
“As we enter another era in the life of our nation, the resilience of our democracy has, once more, been tested and the people have spoken loudly that they choose peace and democracy over violent, undemocratic and unconstitutional methods. In their multitude, in voices that are many and diverse, the people of South Africa have voted and made known their wishes, concerns and expectations.”
In his inauguration speech, yesterday, at a ceremony in Pretoria attended by President Bola Tinubu, and other heads of government across the globe, he expressed readiness to serve the people.
Ramaphosa said about the people’s expectations from their leaders: “They want a transformed, growing, and inclusive economy that creates jobs for millions of job seekers and offers business opportunities to entrepreneurs. They want a South Africa in which all may find shelter in our democratic constitution and may find protection in our courts.
“They have described a country in which all may rise above the circumstances of their birth, nurtured by loving families, aided by a caring state, and empowered by initiative, will, and hard work.”
He said the voters of South Africa did not give any single party the mandate to govern the country alone; they directed the elected to work together to address their plight and realise their aspirations.
He said that the people appreciated the progress the government made in many areas of their lives, He also noted that they were unequivocal in expressing their disappointment and disapproval of his regime’s performance in some of the areas it failed them.
According to him, “Through their votes, they have made clear that they want the necessities of a comfortable, happy, healthy and secure life. They also want enough food, clean water, and affordable electricity at all times. They want decent homes that keep out the wind, rain and weather. They want well-maintained roads and street lights that work.”
He noted the people’s demand for an end to corruption, political bickering, and the endless blame game among politicians and political parties.
Chief Justice Raymond Zondo administered the oath of office in a colorful ceremony attended by several heads of state and government in the capital Pretoria.
“I, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, swear that I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa,’’ the 71-year-old said in his oath of office.
Zondo congratulated Ramaphosa and introduced him to the audience after signing a certificate, saying the president-elect has now been duly sworn in. Members of the public watching proceedings from the union building’s lawns erupted into loud cheers after Ramaphosa was sworn in.
Interfaith prayers were held before the swearing-in ceremony with religious leaders praying for the incoming president and the government of national unity.
He is South Africa’s seventh democratically elected President.
Members of the South African parliament reelected Cyril Ramaphosa last Friday as president for a second term during the first sitting of the legislature.
Ramaphosa, the leader of the African National Congress Party (ANC), received 283 votes, defeating Julius Malema of the Economic Freedom Fighter Party who garnered 44 votes.
The ANC, once led by civil rights icon Nelson Mandela, dominated South African politics for the past three decades, until losing its majority in the May 29 national elections.
The ANC has 159 lawmakers in the 400-member National Assembly, making it difficult for it to form a government on its own. It proposed the formation of a government of national unity.
The ANC reached a deal to form a national unity government with the Democratic Alliance, the Patriotic Alliance, the Inkatha Freedom Party, and Good Party among others.
