Government of National Unity To Work In Favor Of All South Africans – President Ramaphosa

Cyril Ramaphosa, after taking oath as South Africa's president for the second time, said that the newly formed Government of National Unity will work in favor of all South Africans.

Addressing the crowd at the South Lawns of the Union Buildings, the president said, "We want to create jobs. We are going to get everyone in the Government of National Unity to create jobs. I am going to make sure that it happens," SA News reported.

He added, "Today we are opening a new chapter in the life of our country. We are going to have a government of national unity where we are going to work together united so that we can advance your interests. Let us not be afraid of what this government of national unity is going to be all about."

The president's oath ceremony was administered by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. The event was witnessed by many common South Africans, former presidents and members of the international community.

Ramaphosa highlighted that this time South Africans did not vote in majority for just one political party power as they wanted a Government of National Unity to rule this country.

South Africa witnessed elections last month and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) had to form alliances with other political parties as the party individually couldn't secure majority votes for the first time since the 1994 election that ended apartheid.

ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosa was re-elected as South Africa's president by parliament last week. His party gained support from its biggest rival Democratic Alliance along with two smaller parties: the socially conservative Inkatha Freedom Party and the right-wing Patriotic Alliance.

The ANC announced earlier this week that South Africa's new government includes five parties so far, adding that there are ongoing discussions with additional parties.

The ANC highlighted that the coalition now holds 273 seats in the 400-seat National Assembly, accounting for 68% of the total. In the recent election, the ANC secured 159 seats, making it the largest party.

Whereas, the Democratic Alliance (DA) follows with 87 seats while the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) holds 17 seats, the Patriotic Alliance (PA) has 9 seats and GOOD has one seat. The five political parties have officially signed a statement of intent to participate in a government of national unity (GNU).