Cyril Ramaphosa Sworn In As South African President, Promises That He Will Fulfil Mandate

• Cyril Ramaphosa was sworn in as South Africa's president for the seventh administration after the ANC won only 40.1% of the votes
• Ramaphosa, in his speech, promised that he would be the president for all South Africans and would work with other parties for a better future
• South Africans wished him the best of luck in his new role in his second term as South African president
• Briefly News is covering the event.

Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist in Johannesburg, South Africa, has covered policy changes, the State of the Nation Address, politician-related news and elections at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News for over seven years.

PRETORIA— Cyril Ramaphosa has officially been inaugurated as South Africa's president for the seventh administration and promised to be faithful to the people of South Africa.

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Ramaphosa makes promises to South Africa

@CyrilRamaphosa posted a video of his inauguration on his X account. Chief Justice Raymond Zondo swore Ramaphosa in. Ramaphosa was elected president by the Government of National Unity (GNU), which controls over 60% of the seats in Parliament.

In his inaugural speech, Ramaphosa promised to be faithful to his duties as the country's president.

"I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa and will obey, observe, uphold and maintain the Constitution and all other laws of the Republic, and I solemnly and sincerely promise that I will always promote all that will advance the Republic and oppose all that may harm it," he said.

He also promised to devote himself to the Republic and its people's well-being. View the video here:

Politicians, religious leaders weigh in at inauguration

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Ramaphosa's inauguration was well-attended, bringing together representatives from the political, religious, academic, business, and other spheres of society.

Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen, speaking to Briefly News, noted the inauguration marked a peaceful transfer of power.

"I think it's a wonderful day — a celebration of democracy," Steenhuisen said.

"There was an election, the people voted, and there's an outcome.

"It's a peaceful transfer of power from one administration to another, and I think as democrats and freedom-loving South Africans, we should celebrate that.

"People shouldn't take it for granted because, in other parts of the continent, when parties lose the majority, there are tanks on the streets, people cling to power, and they amend the constitution."

He said parties were poised to work together to form a stable government that delivers, including dealing with crime, unemployment and failing infrastructure.

Finance Minister Enoch Gobongwana said the country's democratic system was resilient as it continued maturing.

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He talked up the significance of the GNU.

"The attempt to bring everybody on board is to begin to focus everybody's attention on growth to deal with the issues of unemployment and poverty.

"All parties to the government of national unity are committed to the growth story," Godongwana said.

African National Congress (ANC) Member of Parliament Fasiha Hassan said parties were within their rights to take up or refuse the offer to join the GNU.

"What is fascinating about this GNU, compared to 1994, in which the ANC had to find a way forward during a tumultuous period — is it was an open invite.

"We're now in a space where we must learn to coalesce and find a way forward.

"There's going to be challenges, no doubt, and I think none of us are naive about how we view it."

United Democratic Movement (UDM) Secretary-General Yongama Sigebe took a more retrospective stance on the affair.

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The politician described the inauguration as a moment to reflect on past victories.

"It signified going back 30 years ago, and suffice to say; South Africans are reminded on such occasions of the freedom they fought for and attained.

"Every time we install a president, it reminds us of where we're coming from and what it means not to lose that in the moment because of the challenges we face as a country."

South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Brigadier General Zola Mbi was confident that despite being underfunded, the army would receive the government's support.

"After the elections, the citizens gave a mandate to the next administration.

"Ours, as the SANDF, is to pledge our allegiance to authority, the state, the national flag, the constitution, and anyone in command.

"We have the full support of the commander-in-chief [Ramaphosa] and the full support of the government."

Republic of Korea ambassador to SA Bong-han Yang congratulated Ramaphosa.

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"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to President Ramnaphosa and the citizens of South Africa," Yang said.

"I hope our countries can continue to develop close cooperative ties to even greater heights in the [foreseeable] future."

Gauteng Speaker Morakane Mosupyoe lauded the collaboration between the two biggest parties, saying she hoped their contributions would improve the outlook, especially for the youth.

Cardinal Modiri Patrick Shole, president of the South African Union Council of Independent Churches, said the religious community was pleased with the events leading up to the inauguration.

"We're celebrating 30 years of democracy with the birth of a new child — the GNU," Shole said.

"We witnessed how the ANC could not get the majority votes, and we're looking forward to who the leaders will be after the inauguration.

"We're hoping good fruits will come from it, given the challenges of the previous government's corruption.

"There were many other problems, including an ailing economy, poverty, crime, water and energy crisis.

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"But to build the confidence of international investors, we needed to have a [multi-party] government."

South Africans wish him well

Netizens left him well-wishes; some called on him to be a better president.

John Gry said:

"Good luck, Mr President. It's time for you to redeem yourself and the ANC."

Denis Odhiambo said:

"Make South Africa great."

Odogwu Anioma said:

"Congratulations on your inauguration as the president of South Africa."

African heads of state attend Cyril Ramaphosa's inauguration

In a similar article, Briefly News reported that African heads of state and leaders attended Ramaphosa's inauguration.

These included the president of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, and the deputy president of Cuba, Salvador Mesa.

Source: Briefly News