JOHANNESBURG, June 3 – Cyril Ramaphosa will continue as president of South Africa until a new government is established, according to Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni. This announcement follows the 2024 national and provincial elections, which resulted in a hung parliament and ended the African National Congress (ANC)’s 30-year majority.
The ANC’s vote share dropped to 40% in the 2024 election from 57% in 2019, securing only 159 seats, down from the 230 seats previously held. A new president will be elected by the National Assembly within 14 days of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) declaring the election results.
Ntshavheni confirmed that Ramaphosa remains in office until the new president is sworn in. The Chief Justice will oversee the parliamentary process to elect the new head of state. However, the exact date for the inauguration has not yet been announced.
Following the inauguration, the new president will announce their Cabinet ministers. Despite the ANC’s poor performance, there have been calls for Ramaphosa to resign, but ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has dismissed this as the party enters coalition talks.
The election’s outcome has sparked threats of unrest. The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has demanded a recount, alleging vote rigging, and threatened to boycott the National Assembly’s first sitting if their demands are not met. MK party leader Jacob Zuma warned of potential trouble if their call is ignored.
Ntshavheni assured that the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security Cluster (JCPS) is prepared to maintain law and order, emphasizing that any threats to national stability would be addressed according to the law. She urged all parties to follow the code of conduct and resolve disputes through the appropriate mechanisms outlined in the Electoral Act.
Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise acknowledged that the JCPS learned from the July 2021 unrest and is prepared to handle any instability arising from the election results. Modise stressed the importance of safeguarding South Africa’s integrity and protecting citizens’ rights.
Police Minister Bheki Cele reiterated that the government will not tolerate any threats of instability, underscoring the commitment to maintaining order and security in the country.
