On Wednesday, in Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, the leader of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), was inaugurated as the nation’s president for a new five-year term. The swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of his second term in office, reflecting both continuity and a new chapter in South Africa’s political landscape.
Ramaphosa, who is 71 years old, secured his re-election as president on June 14 through a vote in the National Assembly. He garnered 283 votes, significantly outpacing his competitor, Julius Malema of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who received 44 votes. This decisive victory underscored Ramaphosa’s continued dominance and the ANC’s sustained, though challenged, influence in South African politics.
According to the South African Constitution, a president elected by the National Assembly is required to assume office within five days of the election. This constitutional mandate ensures a swift transition and continuity in governance. The prompt swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday adhered to this requirement, solidifying Ramaphosa’s role for the upcoming term.
The context of Ramaphosa’s re-election is framed by the general elections held on May 29, where the ANC secured 159 out of the 400 seats in the National Assembly. Despite maintaining a significant presence, this election marked a historic moment for the ANC. “This is the first time the ANC has fallen below the 50 per cent needed to maintain its 30-year-old outright majority in the lower house of parliament.” This shift signals a changing political dynamic and a potential challenge to the ANC’s long-standing hegemony.
The ANC’s diminished majority reflects a broader trend of evolving political sentiments in South Africa. Over the past three decades, the ANC has been the dominant force in the country’s politics, a position it secured following the end of apartheid and the establishment of a democratic regime in 1994. The party’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the struggle for freedom and equality, making it a symbol of liberation for many South Africans.
However, recent years have seen growing discontent among the populace, driven by issues such as economic inequality, corruption, and inadequate public services. These challenges have eroded public confidence in the ANC, leading to increased support for opposition parties like the EFF and the Democratic Alliance (DA). The EFF, led by Julius Malema, has particularly gained traction with its radical economic policies and calls for land redistribution, appealing to younger and economically marginalized voters.
Ramaphosa’s leadership is seen by many as a stabilizing force within the ANC and the country at large. Since taking office in 2018, he has been credited with efforts to combat corruption and revitalize the economy. His presidency follows the tumultuous tenure of his predecessor, Jacob Zuma, whose administration was marred by numerous corruption scandals and economic mismanagement. Ramaphosa’s reformist agenda aims to restore integrity and transparency in government, though he faces significant obstacles, both within his party and from the opposition.
The next five years under Ramaphosa’s leadership will be critical for South Africa. His administration will need to address pressing issues such as high unemployment rates, economic recovery post-COVID-19, and continued efforts to tackle corruption. Moreover, the ANC will need to navigate its internal divisions and rejuvenate its image to regain the trust of the electorate.
In summary, Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration marks the beginning of a pivotal period in South African politics. While his re-election reflects his political strength, the ANC’s reduced majority indicates shifting political tides. The coming years will test Ramaphosa’s ability to implement reforms and guide the nation towards greater stability and prosperity.
