South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was sworn in for a second term on Wednesday, this time leading a coalition government after his African National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since 1994. In his inaugural address at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Ramaphosa warned of the dangers of 'toxic cleavages' in one of the world's most unequal countries.
The ANC secured only 159 seats in the 29 May elections, forcing it to form a 'government of national unity' with its former rival, the Democratic Alliance (DA), which holds 87 seats, and four smaller parties. The coalition commands 273 seats in total. Left-wing parties that declined to join have criticised the alliance, calling it a 'grand coalition' that reinforces the power of 'white monopoly capital'.
Ramaphosa acknowledged the deep divisions in South African society, including those between black and white citizens and between employed and unemployed. More than 40% of South Africans are out of work, and economic inequality remains starkly racialised 30 years after the end of apartheid. 'There are toxic cleavages, often incipient social fragmentation, that can only turn into instability,' he said.
The president has yet to appoint a cabinet, with negotiations ongoing over the allocation of ministries based on each party's share of seats. Ramaphosa's spokesperson told the SABC that the president wants to avoid a 'prolonged period of uncertainty' and that talks would be completed soon. The new government faces challenges including job creation, violent crime, and preventing a return of the severe power cuts that have plagued the country in recent years.
