Ramaphosa Unites South Africa with Historic Coalition

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa inaugurated a new parliamentary term, emphasizing unity within a multi-party coalition. Despite political differences, the coalition aims to address unemployment, poverty, and state corruption. This coalition follows a groundbreaking election result, marking a significant shift in South African politics.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa inaugurated a new parliamentary term Thursday, nearly two months after a historic election result reshaped the country's political landscape and led to an unprecedented multiparty government coalition.

Addressing lawmakers at Cape Town's City Hall—a temporary venue after a fire destroyed the Parliament building two years ago—Ramaphosa acknowledged the political differences within the new coalition, but emphasized a united effort to combat South Africa's major issues: high unemployment, crippling poverty and inequality, and institutional corruption.

The May 29 election marked a watershed moment, as voter dissatisfaction resulted in the ANC's worst performance since the end of apartheid in 1994. Ramaphosa called for cooperation across political lines to tackle the country's pressing challenges and underscored the need for joint action in his second and final term.

(With inputs from agencies.)