The African National Congress (ANC) has forged a tentative agreement with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and other smaller parties to establish a government of national unity in South Africa. This development arises following the ANC’s loss of its majority in the elections, marking the first instance in three decades.
According to sources, an agreement has been reached wherein the DA will back Ramaphosa’s presidency, with Thoko Didiza, the agriculture minister, assuming the role of speaker, while the ANC will support the election of a DA deputy speaker. Annelie Lotriet is slated to be the DA’s nominee for deputy speaker.
In his oath of office, President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged allegiance to the Republic of South Africa, promising to abide by and uphold the Constitution and all other laws of the Republic, and to execute his duties as a member of the National Assembly to the best of his abilities.
“I, Matamela, CyrilRamaphosa, swear that I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa and will obey, respect and uphold the Constitution and all other law of the Republic; and I solemnly promise to perform my functions as a member of the National Assembly to the best of my ability. So help me God.”
Negotiations have been ongoing for nearly 15 days, with the specifics of the agreement yet to be finalised. Fikile Mbalula, the ANC’s secretary-general, confirmed that the party was not in a position to divulge the intricacies of the discussions between parties at present.
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With the imminent convening of the new parliament, all attention is directed towards the ANC as it endeavors to establish a government amidst a fragmented political landscape.
