President Cyril Ramaphosa said the inauguration was no ordinary day for the country and its people.
He made the speech after taking the oath of office as President of the seventh government at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, pledging to be a president for all South Africans and to work for everyone, regardless of political affiliation.
He says: “Today is no ordinary day. This is a fundamental moment for our nation. A moment when we must choose to move forward together or risk losing all that we have built. In this moment, we must choose to move forward – to bring South Africans closer together and build a more equal society. This moment requires extraordinary courage and leadership. It requires a shared commitment to national unity, peace, stability, inclusive economic growth, non-racism and non-sexism.”
President Ramaphosa says South Africans made it clear in the recent elections what they want, insisting that they want a growing, inclusive economy that creates millions of jobs and provides business opportunities for all entrepreneurs.
“Above all, South Africans have stressed that they have no patience for political bickering and endless finger-pointing between politicians and parties. They want their needs and aspirations to be put first and foremost, working together for the good of their country. Today, I stand before you as a humble servant to say that I am listening to you. As President of the Republic, I will reach out and work with all parties and sectors willing to work together to find solutions to the challenges facing the country as we move into a new decade of freedom.”
Video: Ramaphosa sworn in as South African president:
GNU
President Ramaphosa will lead a national unity government after the African National Congress (ANC) failed to secure a majority in last month's general election.
Five political parties, including the ANC, the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), signed a statement of intent to form a Government of National Unity (GNU).
The Freedom Front Plus (FF+) and the United Democratic Movement (UDM) have also expressed their intention to join GNU.
The President also pledged to serve his people with humility and dignity, regardless of race or political orientation.
“Today, I become the President of all South Africans and I take a solemn oath to uphold our Constitution and defend our democracy; to work with all those who share the dream of a better life for all; to care for the poor and the vulnerable; to support all those in need; and to make our country stronger, more resilient, more equal and more united.”
