Cyril Ramaphosa has been re-elected as the President of South Africa following a historic coalition deal between his African National Congress (ANC) party and opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA). This marks a significant moment in South African politics, as the ANC had previously held a parliamentary majority for 30 years but lost it in last month’s elections.
Ramaphosa’s ANC won 40% of the vote, while the DA came in second with 22%. The coalition deal, which includes smaller parties, means Ramaphosa will retain power and allocate cabinet positions to include members of the DA. This grand coalition does not involve two ANC breakaway parties, which may benefit if the coalition fails to deliver economic improvements demanded by voters.
Despite criticism from some parties, opinion polls suggest many South Africans want this unprecedented coalition to succeed. Ramaphosa, in his victory speech, hailed the new coalition and emphasized the need for leaders to work together for the good of the country. The DA leader, John Steenhuisen, also welcomed the new chapter in South African politics.
The ANC’s support has been declining due to corruption, unemployment, and crime, but this coalition deal offers a chance for Ramaphosa to address these issues and unite the country. As he said in his speech, “We have been here before… when we sought to unite our country and effect reconciliation – and we are here now.”
