South Africa’s Ramaphosa sworn in for second term

South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa has been sworn in for a second full term in office as president, despite failing to secure a majority in parliament in last month’s election for his African National Congress (ANC).

Lawmakers re-elected him as president last week following a deal between the ANC, its long-time rival Democratic Alliance (DA) and other parties to form a coalition government.

The ANC, which has governed since the end of apartheid in 1994, lost its majority for the first time after the 29 May election produced no outright winner.

Many dignitaries, including several African heads of state, are attending the ceremony.

“I swear I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa… I will obey, observe and uphold the constitution and all other laws of the republic,” Ramaphosa said.

The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.

After Ramaphosa took the oath, a band played the national anthem followed by a 21-gun salute and a fly-past by army helicopters, before he made his inaugural address.

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party formed six months ago by former President Jacob Zuma said its officials will not participate in the “farcical” inauguration.

The party, which won 15% of votes and obtained 58 parliamentary seats, also boycotted parliament’s first sitting last Friday.

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