South Africa’ acting President Cyril Ramaphosa, elected substantive president by Parliament on Thursday has pledged to work across party lines, cooperate with lawmakers and serve the people.
He succeeded former President Jacob Zuma who on Wednesday night announced his resignation.
The country’s constitution confers the power to appoint and remove the President of the Republic of South Africa on the National Assembly.
Ramaphosa became acting state president after Wednesday night’s vacancy in the presidency, in accordance with the supreme law of the country.
The parliament on Thursday morning affirmed Ramaphosa as President.
He thanked the lawmakers, Chief Justice, and political parties for giving him the privilege to serve the nation.
He said he would continue to interact with parliament to continuously brief them on the programmes and action of the government and said he would continue to work with leaders of all political parties.
“I will do all these as a servant of our people. Once one is elected as president, you become a servant.
“I will seek to do that task with humility and faithfulness.”
“Many of the lawmakers have spoken about unity and how to work for our people. I will adopt and accept the advice.”
“We have to work together on how to improve the lives of our people rather than grandstanding.”
“Issue of corruption, strengthening state enterprises are issues that we will be addressing. Also issue of patriotism.
“South Africa must come first in everything that we do.”
He said that they should have the opportunity of sitting together to tackle issues affecting the country without screaming at each other.
