Cyril Ramaphosa has been inaugurated as South Africa's fifth democratic president. "I, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, swear that 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," Ramaphosa declared at the Union Buildings on Wednesday.
This marks the beginning of his second term in office, with Chief Justice Raymond Zondo administering the oath.
After the ceremony, Ramaphosa received congratulations from praise poet Ntombhi Ya Mutsonga. Last week, MPs in the National Assembly overwhelmingly re-elected the 71-year-old following a general election on May 29, which did not produce a clear winner.
The inauguration was attended by numerous heads of state, including Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Angola's Joao Lourenco, Congo Brazzaville's Denis Sassou Nguesso, and Eswatini's King Mswati III.
Guests, dressed in suits, fancy dresses, and coats to ward off the chilly winter weather, began arriving early in the morning amidst heavy police presence. VIPs, some singing anti-apartheid struggle songs, were admitted to a small amphitheater within the grand sandstone government building.
Other attendees, some waving South African flags, sat on a lawn outside as dancers and musicians performed on a large stage.
Following Ramaphosa's oath-taking, a band played the national anthem, succeeded by a 21-gun salute and a flypast by army helicopters towing large South African flags.
In his address at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Ramaphosa spoke to a diverse gathering of local and international dignitaries. He emphasized South Africa's commitment to unity, democracy, and the principles of the Freedom Charter. Ramaphosa underscored the nation's financial challenges, the necessity for economic growth, job creation, and addressing inequalities. He also called for an end to corruption and political bickering, advocating for collaborative governance. His speech reaffirmed the dedication to transforming South Africa into a non-racial, non-sexist society, emphasizing a united effort towards national progress and stability.
