The President elect, Cyril Ramaphosa has taken oath of office as the 7th South African President at the Union Buildings, Pretoria in Tshwane on Wednesday 19th June, 2024.
Ramaphosa finished his first term was immediately re-elected during the First Sitting of the National Assembly of the 7th Parliament held on 14 June 2024.
Ramaphosa will serve a second term as the South African President due to the terms of the Constitution that the National Assembly must, at its first sitting after its election, elect woman or man from among its members to be the President.
Ramaphosa was elected with 283 votes against Mr Julius Malema with 44 votes while the Constitution stated that within the five days, the President-elect must assume office by swearing or affirming faithfulness to the Republic and obedience to the Constitution.
The theme for the occasion is “30 Years of Democracy, Partnership and Growth” while the inauguration takes the form of a formal ceremony to mark beginning of President’s term of office, in attendance are the Head of States, like Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu among others.
In his address after taking the oath of office as the South African President, Ramaphosa said his government is determined to heal the divisions of the past, and overcome the ongoing inequalities and hardships of the present.
He vowed to work with everyone to reach out and work with every political party and the sector that is willing to contribute to finding solutions to the challenges the country faces as South Africans transition to a new decade of freedom.
Ramaphosa said through the ballots casted, the people of South Africa have made plain their expectation that the leaders of this country should work together.
“They have directed their representatives to put aside animosity and dissent, to abandon narrow interests, and to pursue together only that which benefits the nation.
He said, “As leaders, as political parties, we are called upon to work in partnership towards a growing economy, better jobs, safer communities and a government that works for its people. From across political spectrum, parties have answered that call.
“Understanding that no party can govern alone and make laws alone, these parties have agreed to work in partnership, to employ their talents for the good of the country and the progress of its people.
“Together, they have resolved to establish a government of national unity to pursue a common programme of fundamental and lasting change. The formation of a govt of national unity is a moment of profound significance. It is the beginning of a new era.
“As the leaders of this country came together in a government of national unity 30 years ago to forge a common future and build a united nation, the parties in the government of national unity of today have agreed to work together to address the most pressing challenges before our nation.
“The parties have adopted a Statement of Intent, in which they have committed to pursue rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth; to create a more just society by tackling poverty; to safeguard rights of workers; to stabilise government and to build state capacity.
“The parties have made a commitment to invest in South Africa’s people through quality education and health care; to address crime and corruption; to strengthen social cohesion and build a united nation; and to pursue a foreign policy based on human rights, solidarity and peace”, Ramaphosa added.
He promised to make a solemn commitment to be a President for all South Africans, to defend the Constitution and protect the democracy; to work with all those who share the dream of a better life for all; to care for the poor and the vulnerable, and to support all those who are in need; and to make the country stronger, more resilient, more equal and united.
The ceremonial elements which included, amongst others, a 21-gun salute, salute flight by the South African Air Force, Inspection of a South African National Defence Force battalion, a Battalion march past, and a massed fly past.
