Cyril Ramaphosa's inauguration for second term as President will take place on Wednesday, June 19 at Union Building, Pretoria. Photo by Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters)
Picture courtesy: (Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters) Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration for second term as President will take place on Wednesday, June 19 at Union Building, Pretoria.
(The Post News)- A new chapter in South Africa’s history is set to begin. President Cyril Ramaphosa, following his re-election, will stand before the nation on June 19 to take the oath of office for his second term as the leader of the Rainbow Nation at the iconic Union Buildings.
This event not only marks the commencement of President Ramaphosa’s second term in office but also celebrates the resilience and growth of South Africa’s constitutional democracy over the past thirty years.
Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa first took the oath of office on May 25, 2019, succeeding Jacob Zuma. His initial term was marked by efforts to steer the country away from the shadows of corruption and towards economic revival.
As he prepares to be inaugurated once again, there is an overwhelming sense of expectation for what his continued leadership will bring.
Foreign heads of state and government officials are expected to attend the ceremony, signifying South Africa’s global diplomatic ties and the international community’s support for its democratic process.
The inauguration of a South African president is a constitutionally mandated ceremony that follows the general elections.
According to Section 87 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the president must be sworn in within five days after their election by the National Assembly.
The oath of office, as stipulated in Schedule 2 of the Constitution, is a solemn promise to be faithful to the Republic and to obey, observe, uphold, and maintain the Constitution and all other laws of the Republic.
The upcoming swearing-in ceremony will be presided over by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, who will administer the Affirmation of Office to President Ramaphosa.
This act not only reaffirms the President’s commitment to serve but also underscores the judiciary’s role in upholding the democratic process.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni stated, “The inauguration will bring together South Africans from all backgrounds, walks of life, and political orientations, united in our diversity.”
He also announced that the theme for this year’s inauguration is ’30 Years of Democracy, Partnership, and Growth’.
This theme reflects on the journey since Nelson Mandela’s historic oath-taking at the Union Buildings in 1994 as the first democratically elected President of South Africa.
It is a call to honour the strides made in building a society founded on democratic values, unity, and inclusivity.
As the country commemorates ’30 Years of Democracy, Partnership, and Growth’, it is an opportune moment to recommit to the ideals that have guided South Africa since it transitioned to democracy.
The inauguration of President Ramaphosa is not just about one man taking an oath; it is about a nation renewing its pledge to democracy and progress.
Picture: President Cyril Ramaphosa stands before a hopeful nation, ready to embark on his second term with a pledge to uphold democracy and foster growth.