By Doreen Mokgolo
Cyril Ramaphosa, newly sworn in as president, pledged to serve all South Africans, especially the poor and vulnerable, and to strengthen the country’s resilience.
He took his oath of office, administered by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, at the Union Buildings in Tshwane on Wednesday.
Ramaphosa promised to uphold, protect, and maintain the Constitution and all other laws of South Africa.
In his first speech during his second term, Ramaphosa spoke about the resilience of South African democracy.
“The people of South Africa have spoken loudly, choosing peace and democracy over conflict, violence, and unconstitutional methods,” he said.
He acknowledged the results of the 29 May elections, which did not mandate any political party to govern alone.
Despite the ANC winning 40% of the votes, they failed to maintain their majority after 30 years.
Since then, the ANC has formed a Government of National Unity (GNU) with the DA, IFP, NFP, PAC, Good, and RiseMzansi, holding 68% of the seats (273) in the National Assembly.
Ramaphosa urged South Africans to support the GNU and dismiss negative comments from those opposing the unity.
“We will not allow those against it to deter us from working together. We want progress to advance the lives of South Africans,” he said.
Ramaphosa stressed the need for cooperation to create jobs and promised to remove those obstructing progress and service delivery.
The president is expected to announce his cabinet in the coming days.
Pictured above: President Cyril Ramaphosa and his wife Dr Tshepo Motsepe
Source: Doreen Mokgolo
