Pretoria, South Africa – In a vibrant ceremony attended by dignitaries and heads of state, Cyril Ramaphosa was officially sworn in on Wednesday for his second term as the President of South Africa. Chief Justice Raymond Zondo administered the oath of office at the capital's Union Buildings, marking the beginning of Ramaphosa's renewed mandate following his reelection by parliament last week.
"I, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, swear that I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa," declared the 71-year-old president during the solemn oath-taking ceremony. The occasion was met with jubilation from spectators gathered on the lawns of the Union Buildings as Ramaphosa completed the oath.
The swearing-in ceremony was preceded by interfaith prayers led by religious leaders, who offered blessings for the incoming president and his government of national unity. Chief Justice Zondo congratulated Ramaphosa and presented him to the gathered audience after formalizing the oath with a signed certificate.
Ramaphosa's reelection by the South African parliament occurred during its first session last Friday, where he secured 283 votes against his closest contender, Julius Malema of the Economic Freedom Fighter party, who received 44 votes. The African National Congress (ANC), led by Ramaphosa, formed alliances with other political parties including the Democratic Alliance, the Patriotic Alliance, the Inkatha Freedom Party, and the Good party to establish a government of national unity.
The ANC, historically associated with Nelson Mandela's leadership during the country's transition to democracy, faced a new political landscape following recent national elections, losing its outright majority. With 159 seats in the 400-member National Assembly, the ANC's coalition government reflects the diverse political landscape of modern South Africa.
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Ramaphosa's second term inauguration signifies a continuation of his leadership in steering the nation through complex economic and social challenges, underpinned by the ideals of unity and progress for all South Africans.
