Cyril Ramaphosa's presidential inauguration in review

Standing in front of the thousands of South African citizens, African dignitaries and international guests, President Ramaphosa at his presidential inauguration took the oath of office.

And I pledge here today that I will serve you, I will work with you, side by side, to build the South Africa that we all want and deserve. A new era has dawned in our country.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, Loftus Versfeld, 25 May 2019Inauguration ceremony at Loftus VersfeldThe auspicious event kicked off at Loftus Versfeld this morning, and the ceremony broke away from tradition in many ways. For starters, Ramaphosa opted for the Loftus Versfeld stadium instead of the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

The gathered crowds greeted foreign dignitaries as they awaited the first appearance of the president-elect. Cheers erupted for the arrival of King Mswati III, the king of eSwatini, and Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe.

Anticipation grew through the crowd as Kgalema Motlanthe and Thabo Mbeki arrived in generous applause. As the final dignitaries arrived, including Gra a Machel and the new Speaker of Parliament, the atmosphere in the stadium grew electric.

The feeling among political commentators and the public at large was that there was an overwhelming feeling of hope amongst the crowd with the day seemingly representing a move from the dark period of state capture.

Ramaphosa eventually emerged from the official motorcade and made his way to the platform. The ceremony officially began with interfaith prayers as the assembled faith leaders offered guidance and protection to the incoming President.

Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng then called forth Cyril Ramaphosa to take his oath of office. As President Ramaphosa put pen to paper, the biggest roar of the day went up as the crowded welcomed their new President.

The President, as Commander in Chief of the armed forces, was then invited to inspect the assembled troops on the Loftus pitch.

Images of President Ramaphosa inspecting the guard of honor #SAInauguration19 pic.twitter.com/FQsxIb9Q1c

GCIS Media Liaison (@GCISMedia) May 25, 2019

LINK:	https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/cyril-ramaphosa-presidential-inau...
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