Ramaphosa warns detractors against threats to destabilise new govt
Some political parties have been openly hostile following the outcome of the 29 May elections.
President Cyril Ramaphosa during his inauguration speech at the Union Buildings on 19 June 2024. Picture: Xanderleigh Dookey Makhaza/Eyewitness News
TSHWANE - President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a stern warning to his detractors, cautioning that he would take a no-nonsense stance against threats to destabilise the new government.
Ramaphosa’s tough talk followed his inauguration at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Wednesday.
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He’s back for a second term with the help from parties on the opposition benches to form a Government of National Unity (GNU).
Some political parties have been openly hostile following the outcome of the 29 May elections.
Although they’ve denied stoking violence, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has previously warned that failing to order a re-run of the elections could spell trouble.
However, Ramaphosa tried to soothe concerns about public violence with this message:
"We must reject every attempt to sow doubt and cynicism or to turn us against one another. Those who seek to stand in our way, those who seek to inflame tensions in our country will not succeed because South Africans are resolute."
In his inauguration speech, Ramaphosa again preached unity among political parties.
"The people have spoken loudly that they choose peace and democracy over conflict."
Fifteen people were arrested this week in a case of election intimidation after they allegedly stormed an Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) warehouse in Booysens, demanding ballot boxes.