Cyril Ramaphosa has secured a second term as South Africa’s president after lawmakers voted in his favor, garnering 283 votes against Julius Malema’s 44. The victory followed a historic coalition agreement between Ramaphosa’s African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA), marking a significant departure from their traditional rivalry.
The DA, known for its pro-business stance, agreed to support Ramaphosa in exchange for positions within the unity government. This coalition was forged as the ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since apartheid, amid voter defections due to economic hardships and public service failures.
The ANC-DA pact, also supported by smaller parties like the Inkatha Freedom Party and the Patriotic Alliance, aims to promote stability and collaboration in governance. Ramaphosa, 71, is expected to continue pursuing policies favorable to business and international investors, including expanding renewable energy production to mitigate power shortages.
While Ramaphosa’s call for a Government of National Unity (GNU) was rejected by some parties like the EFF, his reelection underscores efforts to broaden political inclusivity while navigating South Africa’s complex political landscape.
