Ramaphosa has been officially inaugurated as president of SA
President Cyril Ramaphosa is now the fifth head of state of South Africa since the advent of democracy in 1994.
Cyril Ramaphosa has officially been sworn in as president of the Republic of South Africa, starting his second term.
This comes after he was elected president by the National Assembly on 14 June 2024, after the country held general elections on 29 May.
“In the presence of everyone assembled here, and in full realisation of the high calling I assume as president… I Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa swear that I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa,” Ramaphosa said when taking his oath of office, administered by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.
He follows in the steps of Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, Jacob Zuma and Kgalema Motlanthe in becoming the country’s fifth head of state.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA PREACHES UNITY
Speaking to the nation after taking his oath, Ramaphosa emphasised unity and renewal.
“We have a sacred duty to unite the people of South Africa,” he told the crowd gathered at the Union Buildings in Tshwane.
“They [people of South Africa] want us [political parties] to put their needs and aspirations first. They want us to work together for the sake of our country.”
MESSAGE TO ZUMA?
Ramaphosa also aimed a dig at anarchists and those who want to derail South Africa.
“We must reject every attempt to divide or distract us, to sow doubt or cynicism, or to turn us against one another. Those who seek to stand in our way, those who seek to inflame tensions, will not succeed, because South Africans are resolute.
“Those who seek to undermine our institutions will fail, because democracy lives in the hearts of our people and never be dislodged. Nothing will distract us from serving the people and advancing their interests,” Ramaphosa said
His message could possibly be salvo aimed at politicians who have been casting aspersions on the Independent Electoral Commission, saying the 29 May elections were not free and fair.
“Now is the time to move forward. Together, we will do more and better. Now is the time to assemble all our capabilities and to direct all our energies to answer the call of the people of South Africa,” said Ramaphosa.