In a significant political development, Cyril Ramaphosa is poised to secure re-election as South Africa’s president. The African National Congress (ANC), which has been in power since 1994, faced a historic challenge in last month’s election when it lost its majority for the first time. After intense negotiations, the ANC has now secured a coalition agreement with the Democratic Alliance (DA), the country’s second-largest party.

DA leader John Steenhuisen announced the formal signing of the coalition agreement during the opening session of the newly elected parliament. As part of the deal, Ramaphosa will continue as president. The ANC and DA together hold a majority of lawmakers, ensuring Ramaphosa’s return for a second term. In the May 29 polls, the ANC garnered 40 per cent of the vote, while the DA received 21 per cent.

The coalition government will also include two smaller parties: the socially conservative Inkatha Freedom Party and the right-wing Patriotic Alliance. This marks a new era in South African politics, which has long been dominated by the ANC since the end of apartheid.

Ramaphosa’s path to a second term appears smooth if he remains the sole candidate nominated. However, if other parties put forth additional candidates, a vote will follow. Sihle Zikalala, an ANC governing body member, expressed optimism, stating, “Today marks the beginning of a new era where we put our differences aside and unite for the betterment of all South Africans.”

Parliament must convene within 14 days of election results being declared, and Friday’s session will involve electing a speaker and deputy speaker before the presidential vote. Notably, the MK Party, led by former ANC leader and South African President Jacob Zuma, has announced a boycott of the first sitting, but this is unlikely to impact the voting process. South Africa’s constitution requires at least one-third of lawmakers to be present for a quorum, a threshold comfortably met by the ANC’s majority.

This coalition agreement signals a pivotal moment in South Africa’s political landscape, as parties come together to govern and address the nation’s challenges. The deadline for finalising the coalition agreement is Sunday, and all eyes are on the parliamentary proceedings as they unfold.

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