Pretoria — President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South Africans not to fear a future led by a Government of National Unity (GNU) as the country enters a new era.
The African National Congress (ANC), who ruled the country for 30 years, lost its majority vote at this year’s elections and sought partners for a GNU. The ANC teamed up with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and other political parties to form a GNU.
The coalition includes at least six parties, with others saying they were in the process of joining the political grouping.
Ramaphosa, who was inaugurated at South Africa’s President in the new GNU, addressed crowds at the Union Buildings in Pretoria and he told South Africans that there was nothing to fear from the GNU, The Citizen reported.
“Let us not be afraid of what this Government of National Unity is about. We want to create jobs. We are going to get everyone who works in the GNU to create jobs. I will make sure that happens” he said.
“If you want to work with me to create jobs, you are my friend. If you don’t want to work with me, you are not my people, if you do not want to create jobs,” Ramaphosa added.
In the presence of everyone assembled here, and in full realisation of the high calling I assume as President of the Republic of South Africa, I, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa swear that I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa, and will obey, observe, uphold and maintain… pic.twitter.com/sQW9lsgWaf
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) June 19, 2024
The newly re-elected president confirmed he would announce his cabinet soon, promising that he would put citizens first in his decision.
“Those who do not work with us will be kicked out. In the coming days I will be building a cabinet that will work for you,” he said.
Speaking moments earlier in his first address to the nation as president, Ramaphosa said he would hold a national dialogue with parties, sectors and other stakeholders to plot a way forward for the country. He also said those who were intent on causing chaos would be defeated.
“Despite progress, our society remains unequal and highly polarised. There are toxic elements of an insipient social fragmentation that can only turn to instability.” he said.
“Those who seek to enflame tensions in the country will not succeed because South Africans are resolute. Those who seek to undermine our institutions will fail because democracy lives in the hearts of our people and will not be dislodged”.
[WATCH] DA national spokesperson Solly Malatsi says President Cyril Ramaphosa will decide on the Cabinet in consultation with leaders of the parties in the government of national unity.#Newzroom405 #PresidentialInauguration2024 pic.twitter.com/pFYD4UW6ax
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) June 19, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
