President Cyril Ramaphosa has been inaugurated as the 5th President of South Africa in the nation’s 7th administration.
The President took the Oath of Office at 12:22 pm local time, administered by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, at the Union Buildings on Wednesday.
With the oath, President Ramaphosa has begun the journey into his second tenure in office as the President of South Africa
In his inauguration oath, Ramaphosa said “In the presence of everyone assembled here, and in full realisation of the high calling I assume as President of the Republic of South Africa, I, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, swear that I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa and will obey, observe, uphold and maintain the Constitution and all other law of the Republic.
“And I solemnly and sincerely promise that I will always promote all that will advance the Republic and oppose all that may harm it, protect and promote the rights of all South Africans, discharge my duties with all my strength and talents to the best of my knowledge and ability and true to the dictates of my conscience, do justice to all and devote myself to the wellbeing of the Republic and all its people, so help me God.”
Eighteen Presidents were expected for the swearing ceremony of the re-elected President of South Africa, among them is the Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu who attended the historic event, and Tanzanian President, Samia Suluhu Hassan amongst others.
The Inauguration ceremony started with Interfaith prayers by different religious leaders of the country with all of them praying for unity and greater South Africa.
This was followed by a Praise Poem by Ntombi Ya Mutsonga, who highlighted the resilience of the South African people and expressed the beauty of several cultures in the South African nation.
Subsequently, the re-elected newly sworn-in President Ramaphosa thereafter acknowledged the National salute amidst the Military inauguration ceremony and the national anthem of South Africa.
Addressing South Africans and guests present at the Union building at the inauguration ceremony, President Ramaphosa promised to build a prosperous and equal giving opportunity country while working with all political parties and groups to proffer solutions to challenges confronting the nation.
The South African Leader also pledged to rededicate himself to service while working with the government of national unity stressing that “the people of South Africa made clear their needs through their votes.”
Present at the Inauguration ceremony were representatives of several countries, Nigeria’s former Leader, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, former Deputy Presidents of South Africa, and Members of Parliament amongst others.
VON