Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
South Africa witnessed a seismic political shift as Cyril Ramaphosa secured another term as president through a groundbreaking coalition between the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and opposition factions.
Truth Live News gathered that, in a strategic maneuver responding to recent elections, where the ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in thirty years, Ramaphosa forged a government of national unity with the center-right Democratic Alliance (DA) and several smaller parties. This coalition, solidified after intense negotiations and a marathon parliamentary session, marks a watershed moment in South African politics.
President Ramaphosa, in his address following the coalition’s formation, stressed the imperative of unity among leaders to prioritize the nation’s collective welfare. This alliance, aimed at consolidating power amidst electoral challenges, saw the ANC secure 40% of the vote, with the DA following at 22%. The exclusion of two ANC splinter groups leaves room for potential political realignments if public expectations for economic progress aren’t met.
The 71-year-old Ramaphosa, supported crucially by DA lawmakers, navigated the coalition formation to maintain leadership in Africa’s most industrialized economy. This unprecedented collaboration, where no single party holds a parliamentary majority, necessitates inclusive governance and shared decision-making across ideological divides.
Ramaphosa’s reelection comes amid national discontent over entrenched poverty, inequality, and unemployment, signaling a critical juncture in South Africa’s democratic evolution post-apartheid At least two other smaller parties also joined the agreement.
Ramaphosa called the deal — which sent South Africa into uncharted waters — a “new birth, a new era for our country” and said it was time for parties “to overcome their differences and to work together.”
“This is what we shall do and this is what I am committed to achieve as the president,” he said. .