Cyril Ramaphosa Sworn in as President of South Africa
The president is expected to announce his cabinet a few days after his inauguration.
For the second time, Cyril Ramaphosa was inaugurated as president of South Africa for a new five-year term in a solemn ceremony, after his party, the African National Congress (ANC)lost an absolute majority for the first time in the elections on 29 May.
RELATED:
South Africa: 5 Cases of Monkeypox Confirmed, High Alert
“I, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, swear that I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa and will obey, observe and uphold the Constitution and all other laws of the Republic,” he declared when sworn in.
During his words, he also promised “solemnly and sincerely” to promote “always everything that will advance the Republic” and to oppose me “to everything that may harm it”, as well as to protect and promote “the rights of all South Africans”.
The formation of a government of national unity is a moment of profound importance. It is the beginning of a new era», said the president during his speech after swearing the position before the head of the South African judiciary, Magistrate Raymond Zondo.
«It is a moment in which we must choose between moving forward together or risking losing everything we have built», added Ramaphosa.
The solemn ceremony, held at the Union Buildings, the headquarters of the South African Executive in Pretoria, kicked off a second and final five-year term for Ramaphosa, which has not yet revealed the composition of the government coalition.
The inauguration took place after a marathon first session of the National Assembly (Lower House of Parliament) last Friday, in which Ramaphosa, 71, was elected as president by 283 votes.
Petroria will be headed by a government coalition whose composition has not yet been revealed by Ramaphosa.
Almost 20 heads of State and Government attended the event. Countries represented include China, Egypt, Cuba, Zimbabwe, Angola and the State of Palestine.