Ramaphosa Re-elected for a Second Term as the President

Picture courtesy: (@ParliamentofRSA share via X) “It will be a privilege and a pleasure to serve this great nation,’ says President Cyril Ramaphosa in his acceptance speech.

(The Post News)- The first national parliamentary sitting of the seventh Parliament has culminated in the re-election of Cyril Ramaphosa as President.

The announcement came after a full day of proceedings during the first sitting at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in the Western Cape.

Chief Justice Raymond Zondo presided over the process, declaring Ramaphosa the president-elect.

Ramaphosa, the President and leader of the African National Congress (ANC), secured 283 votes, defeating his opponent, Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who received 44 votes.

The election of Cyril Ramaphosa as President by the National Assembly was a reaffirmation of his leadership and a clear indication of the trust placed in him to steer the country towards growth and stability.

In Ramaphosa’s acceptance speech, he hailed the new coalition with a sense of readiness for the task ahead.

“It’s a pleasure that I accept; it will be a privilege and a pleasure to serve this great nation as the president, and I accept this big responsibility,” he declared, his voice steady with the weight of the task ahead.

The Constitution clearly outlines the path forward for an elected president, ceasing to be a member of the National Assembly and, within five days, swearing or affirming faithfulness to the Republic and obedience to the Constitution.

True to form, Ramaphosa embraced his new role with a solemn vow.

“I hereby declare that I accept the mission given to me to work with you all to serve the people of our beautiful country,” he affirmed.

The electoral process, while highly contested and at times divisive, ultimately showcased the democratic resilience of South Africa.

Voters’ decision to collaborate across party lines has ushered in what Ramaphosa describes as “a new birth, a new era for our country.”

He expressed his sincere belief that this era would be characterised by hope and inclusivity, despite the fierce competition witnessed during the elections.

The first national parliamentary sitting of the seventh Parliament has set the stage for a transformative period in South African politics.

With President Ramaphosa’s re-election, the nation looks forward to a government of national unity consisting of the ANC, the Democratic Alliance (DA), and the Inkhatha Freedom Party (IFP).

The journey ahead is new and of a collective nature, and as Ramaphosa aptly put it, it is an era of hope and inclusivity that beckons.

Ramaphosa’s re-election victory marks his second term as the leader of South Africa’s government.

He is expected to be inaugurated on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.