Ramaphosa Takes Oath for Second Presidential Term

Cyril Ramaphosa

Ramaphosa of South Africa sworn in for a second term

Cyril Ramaphosa sworn in for second term as South Africa's President, despite ANC losing majority in parliament, marking a new era of coalition government.

Despite his African National Congress's (ANC) inability to win a majority in parliament in last month's election, Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of South Africa, has been sworn in for a second consecutive term.

Following an agreement between the ANC, its longtime rival Democratic Alliance (DA), and other parties to create a coalition government, lawmakers reelected him as president last week.

After the 29 May election yielded no clear winner, the ANC, which has ruled since apartheid ended in 1994, lost its majority for the first time.

Numerous dignitaries, including several heads of state from Africa, are present at the event.

“I swear I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa... I will obey, observe and uphold the constitution and all other laws of the republic,” Ramaphosa said.

Chief Justice Raymond Zondo presented the oath of office.

The national song was played by a band, an army helicopter fly-past, and a 21-gun salute occurred before Ramaphosa delivered his inauguration speech.

Former President Jacob Zuma founded the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party six months ago, and party officials have declared they will not be attending the “farcical” inauguration.

The party, which received 15% of the vote and 58 MPs in parliament, abstained from last Friday's inaugural meeting of parliament as well.