Thousands come out to support the Presidential inauguration

Despite what appeared like disapproval of the Government of National Unity among the ANC rank and file, the party’s supporters have come out in numbers to witness the inauguration of Cyril Ramaphosa as president of the republic as he takes up a second and last term of office.

Supporters were bused in from different parts of the country with municipalities providing transportation.
Those from far-flung areas spend the night on the road arriving in the capital in the early hours of Wednesday.

“We had lists of collections from wards with myself and others coordinating the buses so obviously some people from remote areas could not arrive at pickup spots on time so that’s why our buses had to be on the road the whole night, we are here now and everyone is happy”, said a bus coordinator who insisted on only being identified as Mandla and serves as an official in the Mbombela District Municipality as well as in the local ANC branch. Although an inauguration like other official events are open to all South Africans without discrimination, opposition parties including the DA which is now playing a central role in the GNU has never shown interest in government events.

The ANC led government has over the years printed gold t-shirts for official events which reflect the party’s own identity and the 2024 inauguration was no different.

“We are here to support the president and the GNU. It’s unity all the way. As ANC members we support every decision taken by leadership,” said a branch chairperson from Moletjie outside Polokwane in Limpopo.
A Tshwane ANC Regional Executive Committee member who is opposed to the involvement of the DA GNU and spoke on condition of anonymity said recent resignation letters being circulated on social media exegarated the disapproval of members. He said with time and if the DA tone down on its “racism” ANC members will support the decision.

“I am totally opposed to the GNU, working with the DA in particular because that is the enemy but I’m not going to jump and go to MK or insult the leadership in the media. Like many leaders Cyril’s time will pass and I trust ANC members to elect someone else who can bring the movement back on track,” he said also raising concern that the recent removal of EFF Gauteng chairperson Nkululeko Dunga as a Mayoral Committee Member Finance in Ekurhuleni may lead to cooperation with the DA at municipalities.

Ramaphosa is soon expected to announce a cabinet soon reflecting the parties that have signed the statement of intent of the Government of National Unity.