Cyril Ramaphosa Reelected for Five-Year Term as President of South Africa

Cyril Ramaphosa has been reelected for a five-year term as the President of South Africa. On Friday, June 14, 2024, the National Assembly cast its votes, with Ramaphosa receiving 283 votes, while Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema garnered 44 votes.

The election came after the African National Congress (ANC) agreed to a power-sharing deal with opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).

In South Africa, the president is elected by the National Assembly, which is made up of 400 members. The election typically takes place after national and provincial elections, which were held on May 29. In this year’s provincial election, the ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in three decades, winning only 40 percent of the vote.

Despite this loss, the ANC proposed a government of national unity, which would bring together different parties to rule the country. While some parties, like the EFF and former President Jacob Zuma’s new uMkhonto weSizwe Party, refused to join, the DA and IFP agreed to support Ramaphosa’s candidacy in exchange for cabinet posts and key positions in the legislature.

Ramaphosa’s reelection brings together former political foes to work towards a common goal. In his acceptance speech, Ramaphosa emphasised the need for unity and cooperation, saying, “This is a historic juncture in the life of our country, which requires that we must work and act together to entrench our constitutional democracy and the rule of law, and build a South Africa for all of its people.”

See Also

Tinubu condemns abduction of Kebbi schoolgirls, Gen Uba’s death

The new administration is expected to focus on growing the economy, creating jobs, and tackling crime. DA leader John Steenhuisen expressed optimism about the new coalition, saying, “The participants are united in their shared respect for the constitution, and will work together to grow the economy, create jobs, and tackle crime.”

Cyril Ramaphosa will be inaugurated on June 19 and is expected to announce his cabinet afterward.