South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has been reelected for a second term after winning convincingly in Parliament against a surprise candidate, Julius Malema of the Economic Freedom Fighters party. Ramaphosa secured his second term with the support of lawmakers from the Democratic Alliance party and other smaller parties, following the ANC’s loss of its long-held majority in a recent election. The last-minute coalition deal between the ANC and the DA marks the first national coalition government in South Africa’s history where no party holds a majority in Parliament.
The agreement, known as a government of national unity, brings together the ANC with the DA, a party that had been the main opposition and critic of the ANC for years. In addition to the DA, two other smaller parties also joined the coalition. Ramaphosa described the deal as a “new birth, a new era” for the country, emphasizing the need for parties to work together despite their differences. The ANC, known for its history as a liberation movement, had ruled South Africa with a majority since the end of apartheid in 1994. However, the recent election results signaled a shift in the country’s political landscape.
Despite the coalition agreement, analysts warn of potential complications due to the differing ideologies of the ANC and the DA. The DA’s centrist and business-friendly stance contrasts with the ANC’s history as a liberation movement. The DA, which secured the second largest share of votes in the recent election, have raised concerns over issues like the ANC’s position on Israel and Gaza. The agreement was confirmed by DA leader John Steenhuisen, who announced that the party would co-govern with the ANC in a spirit of unity and collaboration.
The parliamentary session, which took place in Cape Town, was held in a conference center following the destruction of the historic National Assembly building in a fire in 2022. The voting for president began late at night and concluded well after midnight, with Ramaphosa delivering his acceptance speech. While some parties, including the EFF led by Malema, refused to join the coalition, two other parties, the Inkatha Freedom Party and the Patriotic Alliance, joined the agreement. The coalition deal was reached after two weeks of negotiations, with the ANC aiming to secure a coalition within 14 days of the election results.
The unity government in South Africa reflects a historic moment reminiscent of the reconciliation efforts led by Nelson Mandela in 1994. Mandela had invited political opponents to be part of a unity government despite the ANC’s majority at that time. Ramaphosa, who played a role in those negotiations as a young politician, leads the country in a new era marked by coalition governance. The ANC’s willingness to accept defeat and engage in coalition talks signals a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. As South Africa navigates its deep socioeconomic challenges, the unity government offers a new opportunity for collaboration and progress.
