President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa will be inaugurated amid much fanfare at the Union Buildings in Tshwane on Wednesday.
This will inaugurate the seventh administration since the start of democracy in SA in 1994.
It is possible Ramaphosa may announce the members of his new cabinet thereafter though there are no time constraints on this.
The constitution prescribes that the president must be sworn in within five days of his or her election by the National Assembly, which happened late on Friday night.
The SA National Defence Force (SANDF) will perform the ceremonial elements of the inauguration as members pledge their allegiance to both the republic and the president as commander-in-chief.
This is important in a constitutional democracy as it sends a message that the republic is safeguarded against political unrest, including by those who have grievances over the outcome of the elections.
The ceremonial elements will include:
- a 21-gun salute;
- inspection of a SANDF battalion;
- a battalion march-past; and
- a mass fly-past.
The newly sworn-in president will deliver his inaugural address after taking his oath of office/affirmation.
“In the presence of everyone assembled here, and in full realisation of the high calling I assume as president of the Republic of SA I, swear that I will be faithful to the Republic of SA and will obey, observe, uphold and maintain the constitution and all other law of the republic; and I solemnly and sincerely promise that I will always: promote all that will advance the republic and oppose all that may harm it; protect and promote the rights of all South Africans; discharge my duties with all my strength and talents to the best of my knowledge and ability and true to the dictates of my conscience; do justice to all; and devote myself to the wellbeing of the republic and all of its people.”
In the coming days, SA’s nine provincial premiers will be inaugurated and deliver their state of the provinces addresses. Ramaphosa is also expected to deliver a state of the nation address for the incoming administration.
Meanwhile, political newcomer the MK party said its 58 MPs, who boycotted the first sitting of National Assembly for the seventh administration, will participate in the house as part of the official opposition.
MK leader Jacob Zuma said on Sunday the party would participate in the legislative arm of the state, along with the progressive caucus, which includes the EFF, Al Jama-ah, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, United African Transformation and the UDM. Together these parties have a combined 100 out of 400 seats in the National Assembly.
Debate this week is expected to continue over the legitimacy of the government of national unity, which the ANC cobbled together to secure Ramaphosa’s re-election for a second term as head of state. The DA, IFP and other parties supported Ramaphosa’s nomination in parliament.
Ramaphosa received 283 of the 327 valid ballots, against the 44 received by his opponent, EFF leader Julius Malema, who was nominated by UDM MP Nqabayomzi Kwankwa.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.