Ramaphosa sworn in for second term as South Africa’s president

Despite failing to win the required majority of seats in South Africa’s parliament, Cyril Ramaphosa has reclaimed the presidency for a second term.

Ramaphosa was sworn in on Wednesday after his party was forced to strike a merger with other opposition parties to remain in power.

Taking his oath of office during the swearing-in ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital, Ramaphosa reiterated his commitment to respect citizens’ wishes.

“The people have spoken loudly that they choose peace and democracy over violent, undemocratic and unconstitutional methods,” Ramaphosa said in the midst of international dignitaries including President Bola Tinubu.

“In their multitude, in voices that are many and diverse, the people of South Africa have voted and made known their wishes, their concerns and their expectations.

“They did not give any single party the full mandate to govern our country alone. They have directed us to work together to address their plight and realise their aspirations.”

Ramaphosa added that the people of South Africa have also been “unequivocal in expressing their disappointment and disapproval of our (political parties) performance in some of the areas in which we have failed them”.

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

The party began to witness dwindling support in 2019 due to constant power cuts, rise in violent crimes, widespread poverty, and unemployment.

Ramaphosa said he would do his best to meet the expectations of South Africans, which he says include a transformative society with an inclusive economy.