President Cyril Ramaphosa says the inauguration is not an ordinary day for the country and its people.
He was speaking after taking the oath of office as President of the seventh administration at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, he has vowed to be the President of all South Africans and work for everyone regardless of their political affiliation.
He says, “And so today is no ordinary day. It is a moment of fundamental consequence in the life of our nation. It is a moment when we must choose to either move forward together or risk losing all we have built. In this moment we must choose to move forward; to close the distances between South Africans and to build a more equal society. This moment requires extraordinary courage and leadership. It requires a common mission to safeguard national unity, peace, stability, inclusive economic growth, non-racialism and non-sexism.”
Ramaphosa says that in the recent elections, the people of South Africa were clear about what they wanted – insisting that they needed a growing and inclusive economy that creates millions of jobs and offers business opportunities to all entrepreneurs.
“Above all, the people of South Africa have stressed that they are impatient with political bickering and the endless blame game among politicians and political parties. They want us to put their needs and aspirations first and they want us to work together for the sake of our country. Today I stand before you as your humble servant to say we have heard you. As the President of the Republic, I will work with everyone to reach out and work with every political party and sector that is willing to contribute to finding solutions to the challenges our country faces as we transition to a new decade of freedom.”
VIDEO: Ramaphosa sworn in as SA President:
GNU
Ramaphosa will lead a government of national unity after the Africa National Congress (ANC) failed to secure an outright majority in last month’s general elections.
Five parties – including the ANC, Democratic Alliance (DA) and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) have signed a statement of intent to form a Government of National Unity (GNU).
The Freedom Front Plus (FF+) and the United Democratic Movement (UDM) have also indicated their willingness to join the GNU.
The President also vowed to serve his people with humility and dignity regardless of their race and political preferences.
“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.”
