Second term for President Cyril Ramaphosa: the challenge of national unity
President Cyril Ramaphosa has been re-elected for a second term amid a period of political turmoil in South Africa. After losing its absolute majority in last month’s general elections, the ANC was forced to form a Government of National Unity (GNU) with other political parties.
Since Friday, three more parties have joined the GNU, bringing the total number of political organizations having signed the pact to 10. These new memberships could potentially weaken the negotiating position of the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the distribution of ministerial positions within the unity government.
In a statement released on Saturday evening, the ANC confirmed that discussions were underway between the parties to form the executive, and that President Ramaphosa would announce the appointments “in the coming days”.
Despite the continuing impasse between the ANC and DA over position sharing, the signing of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) and Rise Mzansi on Friday, followed by Al Jama-ah on Saturday, reinforces the inclusive and representative of the new government.
According to the ANC, the 10 signatory parties to the pact totaled more than 70% of the votes in the elections, thus providing solid legitimacy to govern and meet the expectations of the South African people. However, new parties wishing to join the government will have to comply with pre-established criteria to guarantee the coherence and effectiveness of the coalition.
Rise Mzansi said it was joining the pact to meet the aspirations of South African voters who want to see the emergence of new, capable, caring and ethical leaders. However, no agreement has yet been reached between the ANC and the DA on the distribution of ministerial posts.
While the DA claims a share proportional to the number of seats held in the National Assembly, the ANC emphasizes that the appointment of the cabinet is a presidential prerogative. This divergence of points of view highlights the complex challenges that the new government will have to face to ensure the representativeness, stability and effectiveness of its action.
In conclusion, President Cyril Ramaphosa begins his second term in a tumultuous, but hopeful, political context. The formation of a government of national unity underlines the desire for cooperation between the different political forces to meet the challenges and meet the expectations of the South African people.