GNU parties present united front ahead of presidential inauguration
The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it was ready to get down to the business of the day – the setting and the implementation of policy to address the country’s socioeconomic challenges.
Guests trickle in at the Union Buildings in Pretoria for the inauguration of Cyril Ramaphosa as president on 19 June 2024. Picture: @SAgovnews/X
PRETORIA - Parties in the Government of National Unity (GNU) are showing a united front at the inauguration of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
A power-sharing deal between at least five parties has culminated in what’s expected to be murky waters on the political landscape.
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Wednesday morning’s proceedings are expected to be a short break from the tense talks between parties.
Earlier in the day, some political parties appeared eager to get the formalities out of the way.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it was ready to get down to the business of the day – the setting and the implementation of policy to address the country’s socioeconomic challenges.
DA parliamentary chief whip, Siviwe Gwarube, said she was upbeat about what the inauguration represented for the future of the country.
Also present earlier in the day were DA leader, John Steenhuisen, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader, Velenkosini Hlabisa, and other dignitaries.
The nine-metre-high bronze statue of Nelson Mandela at the foot of the Union Buildings stands on the spot where he was inaugurated in 1994 as the first democratically elected president.
But his symbol will tower over president-elect Ramaphosa as he ushers in another new dawn.