Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

South Africa’s Ramaphosa Sworn in for Second Term As President

POSTED ON June 19, 2024 •   POLITICS      BY Benedicta Bassey
South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa sworn in for second term as president on Wednesday/ Photo credit: Arab News

South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa has been sworn in for the second term as president of the country, marking a  beginning of a new era.

This became possible after his party, 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 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 of office during a ceremony at the Union Buildings, the seat of government, in Pretoria.

“The voters of South Africa did not give any single party the full mandate to govern our country alone,” he added, speaking before lawmakers, foreign dignitaries, religious and traditional leaders and cheering supporters.

“They have directed us to work together to address their plight and realise their aspirations.”

Ramaphosa is expected to announce his cabinet in the coming days, as talks with coalition members continue.

Various countries heads of state were present at the inauguration to grace the occasion, including Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Angola’s Joao Lourenco, Congo Brazzaville’s Denis Sassou Nguesso and Eswatini’s absolute leader King Mswati III among others.

VIPs were sighted chanting anti-apartheid struggle songs, other attendees held the country's flag with interlude of musical performances.

Ramaphosa who was sworn in today faced a strong opposition with Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters and former president Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) refusing to take part and denouncing the inclusion of right-wing parties and the white-led, free-market DA.

Party spokesman Nhlamulo Ndhlela said in a statement ahead of the ceremony that its lawmakers would snub the “farcical inauguration of Cyril Ramaphosa as the puppet DA-sponsored President."

But Ramaphosa said, “We must reject every attempt to divide or distract us, to sow doubt or cynicism, or to turn us against one another.

"As leaders, as political parties, we are called upon to work in partnership towards a growing economy, better jobs, safer communities and a government that works for its people.”

AFP

READ ALSO
Leopards Can't Change Their Spots, SDP Advocates for New Politicians in Nigeria
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 17, 2025 0

Prince Adewale Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate for the 2023 presidential electi...

READ ALSO
APC Clinches Key Victory in Kano Supplementary Election
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 17, 2025 0

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has recorded a decisive victory in the supplementary election fo...

READ ALSO
Tinubu Begins International Tour with Dubai Stopover
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 15, 2025 0

President Bola Tinubu has reached Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for a brief stopover before embarking...

READ ALSO
Bauchi Gov. Appoint Chinese National as Economic Adviser to Boost Global Partnerships
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 15, 2025 0

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi has appointed Chinese national Li Zhensheng as the economic adviser...

READ ALSO
Rivers State Administrator Announces Key Appointments to Eight Boards
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 14, 2025 0

The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has made appointments for the...

READ ALSO
PDP Divided Over Possible Returns of Jonathan, Obi Ahead of 2027 Elections
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 14, 2025 0

With about two years remaining until the 2027 presidential election, there are divisions among membe...

READ ALSO
FG Names Fuji Star KWAM 1 as Ambassador for Aviation Safety
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 13, 2025 0

The Federal Government has revealed its intention to appoint Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, com...

READ ALSO
Farotimi Backs Obi's One-Term Presidency Proposal, Critiques Past Leadership Failures
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 12, 2025 0

Farotimi supports Obi’s proposal for a one-term presidency, stating that “Obasanjo and B...

OUR CHANNELS:

NSA Reports Capture of Top Ansaru Terrorist Leaders
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 17, 2025 0

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has announced the arrest of two men he identified as lea...


ECOWAS Chairman Bio Calls for Unity in Combating Terrorism and Boosting Trade
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 17, 2025 0

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, who is the chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Head...


Zelensky to Meet Trump in Washington to Discuss Ending War in Ukraine
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 17, 2025 0

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to visit Washington on Monday to talk about "putting a...


Trump, Putin's Summit Yields No Progress on Ukraine Ceasefire
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 17, 2025 0

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin did not achieve any significant progress on Ukraine during their int...


Chelsea aim to overpower Palace, Man United face Arsenal in exciting EPL weekend
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 17, 2025 0

The 2025/26 Premier League season is set to begin this weekend, featuring an exciting series of matc...


Bimpe Akintunde Shares Her Trials and Triumphs in Pregnancy
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 17, 2025 0

Nollywood actress Bimpe Akintunde, also known as Wasila Coded, who gave birth to her second child in...


Tinubu Begins International Tour with Dubai Stopover
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 17, 2025 0

President Bola Tinubu has reached Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for a brief stopover before embarking...


Trump and Putin Aim to Resolve Ukraine Conflict
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 17, 2025 0

United States President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Anchorage, Alas...


LASG Warn Civil Servant Against Adjusting Birth Records
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 17, 2025 0

The Lagos State Government has closed the window for staff seeking adjustment to the documents tende...


Police Urge Voter Cooperation and Adherence to Electoral Laws ahead Ogun By-Election
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara August 17, 2025 0

The Ogun police command has announced the deployment of sufficient personnel to maintain strict secu...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu