Nomazulu Moyo
PRETORIA, South Africa — On Wednesday President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa was inaugurated as the President of South Africa during a public swearing-in ceremony at the Union Buildings in Tshwane, Gauteng.
The event marked a significant moment in the country’s political landscape, as it unfolded against the backdrop of a coalition government formed after the recent elections.
In his address, Ramaphosa emphasised the need for unity among political parties, acknowledging that no single party secured an outright majority.
“We competed against each other in the elections. It was divisive,” he stated. “But it was plain that the people of SA expect parties to find common ground and work together. The reality is that no party got the majority, so we must work together within the framework of the constitution.”
Key party leaders who attended the inauguration also aired their views and expectations.
DA Leader John Steenhuisen said: “For the party, it is not about positions but being in areas where they can serve the people of South Africa. We would like to focus on key areas such as infrastructure, the economy, and lifting people out of poverty. We would like to fit into positions there.”
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“The Phala Phala matter was not discussed in negotiations with the ANC. The law must follow its course. ‘Just because we are in the GNU doesn’t mean accountability comes to an end.
FF Plus Leader Pieter Groenewald said: “People will experience a government that is accountable. The previous government misused its majority in the National Assembly. The Phala Phala matter will have to be relooked at.”
In addition Build One SA leader Mmusi Maimane stated that South Africa has moved from liberation politics to governing politics. This is the time to be strong and decisive in action.
Maimane’s passionate call for leadership that prioritised the well-being of all South Africans resonated with attendees. He urged President Ramaphosa to focus on job creation and education, emphasising the need to restore dignity and unity in a divided political landscape.
As the nation embarks on this new chapter, citizens eagerly await the actions and policies that will shape their future. The inauguration serves as a reminder that collaboration and accountability are essential for progress in a diverse and dynamic democracy.
