The South African Parliament has re-elected Cyril Ramaphosa for another five-year term as president, despite his African National Congress (ANC) winning only 40 percent of the vote in the general elections held two weeks ago. Ramaphosa’s election came after he was opposed by Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema. The sitting also elected Thoko Didiza of the ANC as Speaker and Annelie Lotriet of the DA as Deputy Speaker.
Ramaphosa received 283 votes, while Malema received 44. Ramaphosa is expected to announce his new cabinet after his inauguration on Wednesday.
Amid last-minute inter-party discussions and frequent interruptions, the ANC formed a government of national unity (GNU) by teaming up with the mostly white Democratic Alliance (DA), the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and the minority party Patriotic Front (PF). This alliance has received mixed reactions from members of the parties and citizens.
Some see the alliance as a new era in South African politics, promoting reconciliation and aiding the struggling economy. However, others believe the ANC has betrayed the citizens by partnering with the DA, the long-standing opposition to the ANC’s policies since Nelson Mandela’s leadership in 1994.
Despite the differing opinions, all GNU partners agreed that the partnership is in the best interest of the people of South Africa. ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula stated that the party cannot govern the country alone and needs to work with others. DA leader John Steenhuisen also expressed optimism about the new direction for the nation.
The Parliamentary session was marked by uncertainty until just 20 minutes before the start on Friday morning, with some parties protesting alleged irregularities in the election. Meanwhile, shares on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange surged after news of the GNU emerged, especially in the financial sector.