On Wednesday, Cyril Ramaphosa was inaugurated as president at the Union Buildings in Pretoria in front of thousands of South Africans and heads of state. This after his re-election by Parliament on Friday.
The swearing-in of the president-elect was conducted by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo at the building’s Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre.
The theme for the occasion was “30 Years of Democracy, Partnership and Growth”.
The ceremony was witnessed by local and international guests, including South African royalty, Members of Parliament, representatives of political parties, leaders of organised labour, business and civil society organisations, religious leaders, and South Africans who have excelled in various capacities and endeavours.
READ | South Africans celebrate as Ramaphosa takes presidential oath at vibrant Union Building gathering
Attendees included representatives of regional, continental and international organisations, and bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN).
Ramaphosa was also honoured by the attendance of a number of heads of state and former heads of government from different regions of Africa, as well as the rest of the world.
Countries represented at a high level included the Kingdom of Eswatini and Kingdom of Lesotho; the republics of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola, Tanzania, and Uganda; the People’s Republic of China; the Arab Republic of Egypt; the State of Palestine, and the Republic of Cuba.
Preparations for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration on Wednesday. (Alfonso Nqunjana/News24)
DA leader John Steenhuisen making his way to the sitting area for the inauguration. (Alfonso Nqunjana/News24)
ANC MP Pemmy Majodina at the inauguration. (Alfonso Nqunjana/News24)
Party leaders making their way to the sitting area for the inauguration. (Alfonso Nqunjana/News24)
DA MP Siviwe Gwarube at the inauguration. (Alfonso Nqunjana/News24)
SANDF members preparing to welcome the heads of states at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. (Alfonso Nqunjana/News24)
Rise Mzansi leader Zongezo Zibi arrives at the Union Buildings. (Alfonso Nqunjana/News24)
His Grace Bishop Joseph Lekganyane of the St Engenas Zion Christian Church at the Union Buildings. (Alfonso Nqunjana/News24)
King Misuzulu KaZwelithini arriving at the Union Buildings. (Alfonso Nqunjana/News24)
Former Deputy President David Mabuza. (Alfonso Nqunjana/News24)
Chief Justice of South Africa Raymond Zondo. (Alfonso Nqunjana/News24)
King Mswati III arriving at the Union Buildings. (Alfonso Nqunjana/News24)
Former president Thabo Mbeki arriving at the Union Buildings. (Alfonso Nqunjana/News24)
President of Mauritius Prithvirajsing Roopun at the Union Buildings. (Alfonso Nqunjana/News24)
President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa at the Union Buildings. (Alfonso Nqunjana/News24)
President of the Democratic Felix Tshisekedi. (Alfonso Nqunjana/News24)
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. (Jairus Mmutle/GCIS)
South Africans enjoying the Airforce show at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. (Alfonso Nqunjana/News24)
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressing the crowd of people, telling them they should not be afraid of the new formation. (Alfonso Nqunjana/News24)
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