Ramaphosa’s inauguration speech: Promises were made – will they be kept?

Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration as President of South Africa took place on 19 June 2024 during a public swearing-in ceremony at the Union Buildings in Gauteng. Following are some of the key points from Ramaphosa’s inauguration speech, including promises made by the country’s new leadership.

This is what South Africans want

The theme of the inauguration was ‘30 Years of Democracy, Partnership and Growth’. In Ramaphosa’s inauguration speech, president Ramaphosa explicitly summarised what he believes the people of South Africa want, stating that ‘the people have been clear about what they want’. Additionally, he acknowledged that South Africans have clearly expressed their disappointment and disapproval of the government’s performance in some areas.

Here, in brief, are some of the things that he stipulated South Africans want:

• an inclusive economy that creates jobs for millions
• the overall basic necessities of a comfortable, healthy, and secure life
• enough food to eat
• clean water
• affordable electricity that is available at all times
• well-maintained roads and working streetlights
• homes that keep out the cold, wind, and rain
• proper care when sick
• to be safe
• an end to the theft of public funds and state capture

“Today I stand before you as your humble servant to say we have heard you. As the President of the Republic, I will work with everyone to reach out and work with every political party and sector that is willing to contribute to finding solutions to the challenges our country faces as we transition to a new decade of freedom.”

Cyril Ramaphosa

Promises made to South Africans

President Ramaphosa stated that South Africa belongs to all who live in it. He furthermore said that the leadership commits to upholding the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. He mentioned that their duties include uniting the people of South Africa and changing the nation into a society that is free from racism and sexism.

All in all, Ramaphosa’s inauguration speech included many promises to South Africans. He emphasised that disagreements or differences of opinion will not stop the leadership from working towards creating a strong, independent, fair, equal, and successful country.

The leaders of South Africa have come together in a government of national unity (GNU) and agreed to work in partnership to address the challenges in the country. They have committed to:

• pursue rapid, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth
• democratic renewal and social and economic transformation
• create a more just society by tackling poverty
• safeguard the rights of workers
• stabilise the government and to build state capacity
• invest in South Africa’s people through quality education and healthcare
• address crime and corruption
• build a government that is capable and honest

“Nothing will distract us from serving the people and advancing their interests.”

Cyril Ramaphosa

Note: All the content above from Ramaphosa’s inauguration speech was taken from the official website of The Presidency, The Republic of South Africa. Some of it has been rephrased for readability.