Cyril Ramaphosa began his second term as President of South Africa on Wednesday (19th) – KNfins

Cyril Ramaphosa began his second term as President of South Africa on Wednesday (19th)

This inauguration marks a significant change, as his party, the African National Congress (ANC), now has to share power with other parties after losing its majority in Parliament.

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The ceremony took place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where heads of state and African dignitaries gathered to witness the arrival of Ramaphosa’s delegation, which was received by a mounted honor guard.

Ramaphosa will lead a government of national unity, which includes five other parties, among them the Democratic Alliance (DA), his biggest rival and a sharp critic of the ANC. The DA is known for its market-friendly policies and aims for growth through structural reforms and cautious fiscal policies.

Although the inclusion of the DA was positively received by investors, analysts warn of deep ideological divisions between the parties that could challenge government stability in the future.

Shortly before the elections, Cyril Ramaphosa signed a law for the National Health Service, which sparked controversial reactions. The Democratic Alliance (DA) expressed concerns that this law could overload an already weakened healthcare system. The future of this law remains uncertain under the new government.

Additionally, the DA has clear positions against the main program for the economic empowerment of Black citizens implemented by the ANC, calling for its abolition. They argue that the program has not achieved its goals, a highly controversial topic in a country still marked by the significant inequalities of apartheid.

Ramaphosa has not yet announced the composition of his new government, which must be negotiated with members of the new political alliance. “The president is determined to avoid a prolonged period of uncertainty in the country,” said Vincent Magwenya, a spokesperson for Ramaphosa, in an interview with the state broadcaster SABC.

“This time, there is an added layer of complexity, as he must consult the various parties that are part of the government of national unity. These consultations are already underway and will continue this evening,” said Vincent Magwenya, a spokesperson for Ramaphosa.

The African National Congress (ANC), a former liberation movement, came to power in the 1994 elections under the historic leadership of Nelson Mandela, symbolizing the end of apartheid. Although once considered invincible, the party has lost prestige over the years as it faced challenges and criticism of its governance.

After the elections on May 29, the African National Congress (ANC) remains the largest political party in South Africa, holding 159 seats in the National Assembly, which has a total of 400 seats. However, the party has suffered a significant loss of millions of votes compared to the previous elections in 2019. Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has maintained its position with 87 seats.

Voters have clearly expressed their dissatisfaction with the ANC, blaming it for the persistently high levels of poverty, inequality, and unemployment in the country. Additionally, rising crime rates, frequent power outages, and corruption scandals have negatively impacted the party’s reputation.

With the start of Cyril Ramaphosa’s second term as president, forming the new government of national unity requires strategic approaches to address these urgent issues and restore public trust. The path forward will be challenging and will require creative, collaborative solutions in a diverse and dynamic political environment.

Politics in South Africa is characterized by a robust democracy, yet it faces significant challenges regarding governance, socioeconomic inequality, and ethnic diversity. Since the end of apartheid in 1994, the country has established a multiparty political system with regular elections for the national parliament and provincial governments.

The African National Congress (ANC), led by iconic figures such as Nelson Mandela and currently by Cyril Ramaphosa, has dominated South African politics since the first elections after apartheid. However, the party is under criticism for failing to address deep-seated issues such as persistent poverty, economic and social inequality, high unemployment, and corruption.

The opposition is diverse and includes parties like the Democratic Alliance (DA), which promotes market-friendly policies and emphasizes good governance, as well as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who advocate for radical reforms in land and wealth redistribution.

In addition to economic and social challenges, South African politics is also influenced by ethnic and racial dynamics that reflect the country’s deep historical divisions. The search for national reconciliation and the building of a coherent national identity remain key issues on the South African political agenda.

Internationally, South Africa plays a significant role as a regional power and influential member of the African Union (AU) and BRICS (a group of emerging economies). Its foreign policy often focuses on issues of peace and security on the African continent, sustainable economic development, and international cooperation.

In addition to internal matters, South Africa’s foreign policy is influenced by its position as an emerging economic power and diplomatic actor in the region. The country seeks to strengthen economic and political ties with other African nations while maintaining strategic relationships with global powers. Commitment to international governance and the defense of human rights are important pillars of its foreign policy, reflecting a desire for continental and global leadership based on democratic principles and sustainable development.

In summary, South African politics reflects a delicate balance between democratic aspirations, profound socioeconomic challenges, and the need to reconcile a diverse and complex society on the path to progress and stability.

Picture of Ella Bailey
Ella Bailey

an editor at KNfins since 2024.

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