0 C
Munich
Monday, December 23, 2024

Cyril Ramaphosa sworn in as South African president – despite his ANC party losing majority | World News

Must read


Cyril Ramaphosa has been sworn in as president of South Africa for a second term – this time as part of a coalition government.

His African National Congress (ANC) party lost its controlling majority in last month’s election after ruling for 30 years since the end of apartheid.

President Ramaphosa’s motorcade arrived at the ceremony in Pretoria on Wednesday, with a guard of honour on horseback, watched by African heads of state and dignitaries.

Supporters waved flags at the proceedings and a formation of aircraft conducted a flypast overhead as he took the oath of office.

Image:
Cyril Ramaphosa takes the oath of office. Pic: Reuters

The South African Police Service (SAPS) equestrian unit arrives ahead of South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa's motorcade
Image:
The South African Police Service equestrian unit arrives ahead of the motorcade. Pic: Reuters

“In our brilliant diversity, we gather to affirm our solemn conviction that this country belongs to all who live in it,” the president told those gathered.

“Understanding that no party can govern alone and make laws alone, these parties have agreed to work in partnership, to employ their talents for the good of the country and the progress of its people.”

People gather, on the day of the inauguration ceremony of South Africa's president elect Cyril Ramaphosa, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa, June 19, 2024. REUTERS/ Alet Pretorius
Image:
People gather to watch the ceremony. Pic: Reuters

The South African National Ceremonial Guard attend the inauguration ceremony of South Africa's president-elect Cyril Ramaphosa
Image:
The South African National Ceremonial Guard. Pic: Reuters

Read more from Sky News:
Mysterious monolith discovered in desert near Las Vegas
Deadly wildfire forces thousands to flee homes

President Ramaphosa will head what he calls a government of national unity with five other parties, including the ANC’s largest rival and virulent critic, the pro-business Democratic Alliance (DA).

While investors have welcomed the inclusion of the DA, analysts say sharp ideological divisions between the parties could make the government unstable.

Follow Sky News on WhatsApp
Follow Sky News on WhatsApp

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Tap here

Just before the election, President Ramaphosa signed into law a National Health Insurance bill that the DA says could collapse a creaking health system.

It was unclear what would happen to that law under the new government. The DA advocates scrapping the ANC’s flagship black economic empowerment programme, saying it hasn’t worked – a highly contentious topic in a nation grappling with huge inequalities, some inherited from apartheid.



Source link

- Advertisement -spot_img

More articles

- Advertisement -

Latest articles