CAPE TOWN, South Africa: South Africa’s newly elected parliament convened on Friday to re-elect President Cyril Ramaphosa, marking an unprecedented coalition government after the African National Congress (ANC) formed a deal with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Zulu nationalist Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).
This coalition is being termed a government of national unity. John Steenhuisen, leader of the DA, announced the coalition agreement, indicating that the DA and IFP would support Ramaphosa’s re-election. This decision came during the opening session of South Africa’s seventh parliament since the advent of post-apartheid democracy in 1994. Chief Justice Raymond Zondo oversaw the first session, swearing in MPs ahead of votes for speaker, deputy speaker, and president.
Members of the leftist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) attended the session in distinctive red overalls but refused to support the new coalition, citing their unwillingness to align with right-wing or white-led parties. The EFF, led by Julius Malema, has been vocal about its opposition to any alliance with parties that do not share its leftist ideology.
Ramaphosa, who called for a government of national unity after the ANC lost its absolute majority in the recent general election, is expected to secure enough votes in the secret ballot to confirm his re-election. The ANC, weakened by corruption scandals and economic issues, now holds only 159 seats. The support from the DA’s 87 MPs and IFP’s 17 MPs will ensure a comfortable majority.
The coalition aims to defend the Constitution and the rule of law, extending its agreement to Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. While acknowledging the challenges ahead, Steenhuisen emphasized the importance of the coalition in navigating South Africa’s political landscape.
Ramaphosa, a former trade unionist and millionaire businessman, took office in 2018 after Jacob Zuma was ousted amid corruption allegations. Despite high expectations, Ramaphosa’s tenure has faced criticism due to rising unemployment and economic challenges. The coalition government represents a significant shift in South Africa’s political dynamics, aiming to stabilize the country’s governance and address pressing issues.
