Cyril Ramaphosa has been sworn in for a second full term in office as president of South Africa following an agreement by a coalition government.
He was re-elected last week by lawmakers following a deal between the ANC, its long-time rival Democratic Alliance (DA) and other parties to form a coalition government.
African National Congress (ANC). failed to secure a majority in parliament in last month’s election.
The ANC, which has governed since the end of apartheid in 1994, lost its majority for the first time after the 29 May election produced no outright winner.
Read also: South Africas president Ramaphosa urges unity as ANC support plunges
Many dignitaries, including Nigeria’s president Bola Tinubu and several African heads of state, attended the ceremony.
“I swear I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa… I will obey, observe and uphold the constitution and all other laws of the republic,” Mr Ramaphosa said.
The oath of office was administered by Raymond Zondo, the chief justice. After Mr Ramaphosa took the oath, a band played the national anthem followed by a 21-gun salute and a fly-past by army helicopters, before he made his inaugural address.
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party formed six months ago by former President Jacob Zuma says its officials will not participate in the “farcical” inauguration. Read also: South Africas president Ramaphosa urges unity as ANC support plunges
The party, which won 15% of votes and obtained 58 parliamentary seats, also boycotted parliament’s first sitting last Friday.
Ramaphosa is expected to appoint a cabinet in the coming days, including his new coalition partners – the DA and three smaller parties. Together, the coalition accounts for 68% of seats in parliament.
The president is also expected to set out an agenda to rescue the flailing economy.
Under his rule, the economic performance has continued to suffer amid power cuts, rising crime and unemployment. Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
