Cyril Ramaphosa has been re-elected as the President of South Africa, following a historic coalition deal between the African National Congress (ANC) and opposition parties. The new government of national unity brings together the ANC, the Democratic Alliance (DA), and smaller parties.
“This is a remarkable step,” said ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, hailing the coalition deal.
In his victory speech, President Ramaphosa emphasized the need for unity and cooperation, saying, “We have been here before, we were here in 1994, when we sought to unite our country and to effect reconciliation – and we are here now… The voters expect us to act and to work together for the good of everyone in our country.”
The coalition deal was struck after weeks of speculation and negotiations, following the ANC’s loss of parliamentary majority in last month’s elections. The DA’s leader, John Steenhuisen, called it “a historic day for our country, and I think it is the start of a new chapter.”
However, not everyone is pleased with the agreement. Julius Malema, head of the Economic Freedom Fighters, criticized the deal, saying, “We do not agree to this marriage of convenience, to consolidate the white monopoly power over the economy and the means of production in South Africa.”
The new government faces significant challenges, including high levels of corruption, unemployment, and crime. As President Ramaphosa begins to allocate cabinet positions, many South Africans are hoping for a new era of cooperation and progress.