Cape Town, South Africa – Cyril Ramaphosa secured a second term as South Africa’s President after a last-minute coalition deal with the Democratic Alliance was struck just before the vote. The African National Congress leader defeated surprise candidate Julius Malema of the Economic Freedom Fighters in Parliament with 283 votes to 44 in a 400-member house.
With the ANC losing its majority in a recent election, Ramaphosa’s reelection was made possible with the support of the Democratic Alliance and other smaller parties, marking the first national coalition where no party holds a majority in Parliament. The move towards a “government of national unity” signifies a historic collaboration between the ANC and the DA, former political rivals.
Describing the agreement as a new chapter for the country, Ramaphosa emphasized the need for parties to work together despite their differences. The ANC, long synonymous with Nelson Mandela and post-apartheid South Africa, faced a significant electoral setback in the recent election, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction over economic hardships.
While the coalition brings together parties with disparate ideologies, including the ANC’s liberation background and the DA’s business-friendly stance, the move aims to prioritize the nation’s interests over political divides. The agreement also involves the Inkatha Freedom Party and the Patriotic Alliance, led by figures like Gayton McKenzie who see the coalition as an opportunity to address pressing social challenges.
As South Africa navigates this uncharted political landscape, reminiscent of the ANC’s historic victory in 1994, the unity government mirrors Mandela’s approach to inclusivity and reconciliation. For Ramaphosa, a key figure in the country’s transition to democracy, the coalition represents a new era of cooperation and shared governance. The negotiated agreement underscores the importance of compromise and dialogue in addressing the country’s complex issues.
Looking ahead, the unity government faces challenges in reconciling differing viewpoints and priorities among its diverse coalition partners. However, the willingness to engage in dialogue and collaborate for the greater good sets a positive tone for South Africa’s future under this unprecedented political arrangement. In a reflection of the country’s complex history and journey towards democracy, the coalition government symbolizes a renewed commitment to unity and progress for all South Africans.