By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has used his inauguration acceptance speech for a second term as president to hit back at those who oppose the government of national unity (GNU).
Ramaphosa’s inauguration took place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Wednesday.
The Union Buildings was commissioned by the Transvaal Colonial Administration in 1909 to become the seat of government ahead of the formation of the Union of South Africa on 31 May 1910.
Construction was completed in 1913, and after its inauguration, shortly before the start of World War I, it housed all departments of state.
Chief Justice Raymond Zondo presided over the ceremony which saw Ramaphosa take an oath of office, promising to uphold the Constitution.
Ramaphosa’s inauguration as head of state came after the ANC struck a hard-won government coalition deal to remain in power.
MP’s in the National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to re-elect the 71-year-old last week after a May 29 general election produced no outright winner for the first time in three decades.
Ramaphosa reiterated that the GNU would not be distracted in its quest to build a prosperous country.
“The formation of a government of national unity is a moment of profound significance. It is the beginning of a new era,” Ramaphosa said after taking the oath of office.
“The voters of South Africa did not give any single party the full mandate to govern our country alone,” he added, speaking before lawmakers, foreign dignitaries, religious and traditional leaders and cheering supporters.
“They have directed us to work together to address their plight and realise their aspirations.”
“We must reject every attempt to divide or distract us, to sow doubt or cynicism, or to turn us against one another. Those who seek to stand in our way, those who seek to inflame tensions, will not succeed, because South Africans are resolute,” he said.
He further went on to slam those who disregard the Constitution and rule of law, adding that the executive would do everything in its power to protect them.
“They want a South Africa in which all may find shelter in our democratic Constitution and may find protection in our courts,” he said.
Since election results were released by the Electoral Commission of South Africa, the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party has been at the forefront of discrediting the 2024 poll outcomes.
Ramaphosa is expected to announce his cabinet in the coming days as talks with coalition members continue.
He vowed to work with all political parties and sectors to find solutions to the country’s issues.
“Today, I make a solemn commitment to be a president for all South Africans to defend our Constitution and protect our democracy, to work with all those who share the dream of a better life for all, to care for the poor and the vulnerable, and to support all those who are in need, and to make our country stronger, more resilient, more equal and united.”
The new government faces a long list of challenges, from the need to create jobs to tackling violent crime and making sure that power cuts that have lasted up to 12 hours a day in recent years do not return.