Cyril Ramaphosa is Going to be President of South Africa Again Despite Losing the Election

In a surprising twist of South African politics, Cyril Ramaphosa is set for re-election as president despite the African National Congress (ANC) suffering its worst electoral performance since the end of apartheid. 

The ANC, which has dominated South African politics since 1994, saw its parliamentary majority crumble, securing only 40 percent of the vote in the May 29 elections. 

This significant decline forced the ANC to seek coalition partners to retain power.

On Friday, Ramaphosa struck a historic deal with the opposition, including the white-led Democratic Alliance (DA) and two smaller parties—the socially conservative Inkatha Freedom Party and the right-wing Patriotic Alliance. 

This coalition, a government of national unity, represents a remarkable shift in the political landscape, given the long-standing opposition between the ANC and the DA.

John Steenhuisen, leader of the DA, emphasized the importance of unity in his announcement of the coalition agreement: “Today marks the beginning of a new era where we put our differences aside and unite for the betterment of all South Africans.” 

As part of the deal, the DA will support Ramaphosa’s re-election bid and receive the position of deputy speaker of parliament.

Ramaphosa’s path to re-election has been anything but smooth. His leadership has been marred by several significant challenges, most notably the “Farmgate” scandal in 2022. 

This scandal involved allegations of misconduct related to a large sum of cash found on his game farm. 

Despite denying any wrongdoing and securing a new term as ANC leader later that year, the scandal damaged his reputation and highlighted the internal divisions within his party.

The ANC’s support has plummeted due to widespread voter dissatisfaction over high unemployment, crime, and persistent power cuts. 

These issues have eroded public confidence in the ANC’s ability to govern effectively, leading to their historic loss of a parliamentary majority. 

Political analysts are skeptical about Ramaphosa's ability to serve a full second term, given the ongoing internal strife within the ANC. 

Party rivals, some of whom have not fully reconciled with his leadership, continue to pose significant challenges.

Moreover, Ramaphosa’s approach to governance has been criticized for its perceived indecisiveness. 

Critics argue that his efforts to build consensus often lead to delays in implementing crucial reforms, a stark contrast to the decisiveness he exhibited as a union leader in the 1980s.

The formation of the new government was a complex process, involving intense negotiations that continued through the night before Parliament’s first sitting since the election. 

The final details of the coalition agreement were hammered out just before the session commenced. 

The chief justice oversaw the swearing-in of hundreds of lawmakers and the subsequent election of the speaker and deputy speaker of the National Assembly. 

Due to the 2022 fire that gutted the National Assembly building, these proceedings took place in a conference center near Cape Town’s waterfront, adding to the logistical challenges.

Fikile Mbalula, ANC Secretary-General, confirmed the coalition agreement in principle with the DA and other smaller parties: “We’ve engaged with the DA. We agree on the GNU [Government of National Unity].” 

Helen Zille, a senior DA politician, noted the intense nature of the negotiations, mentioning that last-minute issues were being resolved even on the morning of the final agreement.

The ANC’s decline from a dominant majority to needing a coalition partner marks a significant change in South African politics. 

Since the end of apartheid in 1994, the ANC has consistently held a clear majority, making parliamentary votes for president largely ceremonial. 

However, the recent elections have introduced a new era of political uncertainty. 

Ramaphosa called for parties to join a government of national unity, reminiscent of Nelson Mandela’s inclusive approach in 1994.

In his address after the election, Ramaphosa emphasized the need for unity: “South Africans expect the parties for which they have voted to find common ground, overcome their differences and act together for the good of everyone. That’s what South Africans have said.”

Despite the challenges ahead, Ramaphosa’s ability to broker a coalition deal and secure re-election has highlighted his strategic acumen in navigating South Africa’s complex political landscape. 

The path forward will require significant policy concessions and adept negotiation skills to maintain the coalition’s stability and address the country’s pressing issues.