South Africa’s Ramaphosa sworn in for second full term as president

Lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to re-elect the 71-year-old last week after a May 29 general election produced no outright winner for the first time in three decades

By AFP
June 20, 2024
South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa (R) gestures takes the oath of office for his second term as South African President at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on June 19, 2024. — AFP
South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa (R) gestures takes the oath of office for his second term as South African President at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on June 19, 2024. — AFP

PRETORIA: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa hailed “the beginning of a new era” on Wednesday as he was sworn in for a second full term after his weakened African National Congress (ANC) struck a hard-won government coalition deal to remain in power.

Lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to re-elect the 71-year-old last week after a May 29 general election produced no outright winner for the first time in three decades.

“The formation of a government of national unity is a moment of profound significance. It is the beginning of a new era,” Ramaphosa said, after taking the oath during a ceremony at the Union Buildings, the seat of government, in Pretoria. Speaking before lawmakers, foreign dignitaries, religious and traditional leaders and cheering supporters, Ramaphosa said voters did not give any party a full mandate to govern alone. “They have directed us to work together to address their plight and realise their aspirations,” he said.

Numerous heads of state, including Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Angola´s Joao Lourenco, Congo Brazzaville´s Denis Sassou Nguesso and Eswatini´s absolute leader King Mswati III attended the inauguration.