As the Republic of South Africa entered a “new era,” President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a second full term in office after being sworn in.

“I swear I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa… I will obey, observe and uphold the constitution and all other laws of the republic,” said President Ramaphosa.

President Ramaphosa was voted into office by the Members of Parliament after his party, the African National Congress (ANC), failed to secure a majority in parliament during last month’s election.

The ANC managed to garner at least 40 percent of the votes after the polls. It was the deal with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and other parties that allowed them to form a coalition government.

In his speech, President Ramaphosa called for unity among South Africa’s political parties. He stated that the outcome of last month’s polls indirectly spoke to the need for politicians to work together.

“Through the ballots they have cast, the people of South Africa have made plain their expectation that the leaders of our country should work together. They have directed their representatives to put aside animosity and dissent, to abandon narrow interests, and to pursue together only that which benefits the nation.”

South African dignitaries and African heads of state were invited to the inauguration.

The ceremony, held in the Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre outside the Union Buildings, was attended by former South African heads of state, excluding President Jacob Zuma of the MK party. Other guests in attendance included leaders from Nigeria, Angola, Zimbabwe, Congo-Brazzaville, and Eswatini, as well as delegates from over a hundred countries.

President Ramaphosa spoke out against those who planned to destroy the newly formed National Government of Unity, stating they would not be successful.

He also issued a warning: “Those who seek to stand in our way, to inflame tensions and undermine our institutions, will not succeed because South Africans are resolute.”

All eyes are on who will be appointed to the cabinet of the seventh administration.