On Friday, June 15, 2024, South African lawmakers re-elected President Cyril Ramaphosa for a second term after a surprising coalition of parties came together, ending the long dominance of the African National Congress (ANC) since Nelson Mandela’s era.
In the historic May 29 election, the ANC secured only 40% of the vote, losing its absolute majority in parliament.
To maintain stability, a national unity government was formed with various parties. In Cape Town, lawmakers overwhelmingly re-elected the 71-year-old Ramaphosa for another five years.
Ramaphosa expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am humbled and honoured that you, as members of the National Assembly, have decided to elect me to be the President.”
For the first time, the government included parties like the Democratic Alliance (DA), the Zulu nationalist Inkatha Freedom Party, and others. Ramaphosa received 283 votes, while his last-minute challenger, Julius Malema of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), received only 44 votes. Ramaphosa’s re-election was celebrated by many, including China’s President Xi Jinping, who sent his congratulations.
Chief Justice Raymond Zondo opened the first parliamentary session, where members were sworn in. The ANC’s Thoko Didiza became the speaker, and the DA’s Annelie Lotriet, from South Africa’s white minority, became the deputy speaker, showcasing the coalition’s strength.
However, the EFF, dressed in red overalls and construction helmets, refused to join the coalition. Julius Malema criticized the coalition as a deal between the ANC and white monopoly capital, predicting harsh judgment from history. Former president Jacob Zuma’s new party, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), also rejected the results and boycotted the session.
Despite these challenges, Ramaphosa, a former trade unionist turned millionaire businessman, promised to unite the diverse government with the primary goal of achieving rapid and inclusive economic growth, a difficult task given South Africa’s economic struggles and high unemployment. DA leader John Steenhuisen acknowledged the challenges ahead, saying,
“This is not the end of the process, the road ahead will not be easy.” Yet, with hope and determination, Ramaphosa and his coalition aim to steer South Africa toward a brighter future.
