Cyril Ramaphosa has been elected by Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng as the New President of South Africa by a special parliament sitting today. Mogoeng read out Jacob Zuma’s resignation letter. And proceeded to ask for more nominations for the presidency.
He noted that only one person was nominated. He said: “I declare the honorable Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa duly elected president of the Republic of South Africa.” The house broke out in song and cheer after the news.
President Jacob Zuma’s resignation letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly. pic.twitter.com/x2UL1E60vY
— Lester Kiewit (@lesterkk) February 15, 2018
#Ramaphosa Assembly Chamber breaks out in song after Ramaphosa is officially elected. BN pic.twitter.com/cUGDWZ92h6
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) February 15, 2018
DA leader Mmusi Maimane congratulated Ramaphosa on his election as state president and said the DA will support him if he acts in the interests of the people. He also challenged Ramaphosa saying, “See you at the ballot box in 2019!”
Last night, Jacob Zuma stepped down as the President of South Africa in a press briefing. He said, “I have come to the decision to resign as President of the Republic with immediate effect. Even though I disagree with the decision of the leadership of my organisation, I have always been a disciplined member.”
In a speech that lasted 15 minutes Zuma said he was forever indebted to the ANC, the liberation movement he served almost all his life.