US president Joe Biden, Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy and others have congratulated Cyril Ramaphosa on his re-election as president of South Africa.

The ANC leader was elected during the first sitting of the National Assembly at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Friday, 14 June.

Ramaphosa was nominated alongside the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema for the position, he received 283 votes, while Malema received 44. A total of 12 votes were spoiled.

His re-election follows in the footsteps of Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma, who were also two-term presidents. However, Mbeki and Zuma did not complete their terms as both were recalled before completing their tenures.

In his victory speech, the president-elect thanked MPs and accepted the challenge of the next five years.

“I am humbled and honoured that members of the National Assembly have, through their votes, decided to elect me to be president of the Republic of South Africa. Thank you very much.

“It is with pleasure that I accept. It will be a privilege and pleasure to serve this great nation in the position of president,” said Ramaphosa.

BOLA TINUBU 🇳🇬

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu congratulated Cyril Ramaphosa on his re-election.

Tinubu extended his congratulatory message to South Africans on the peaceful and successful conduct of the general election.

This was contained in a congratulatory message issued by his Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale on Saturday.

While congratulating Ramaphosa on his victory, Tinubu called for the strengthening of bilateral ties between Nigeria and South Africa.

The statement continued, “While wishing President Ramaphosa a successful term in office, President Tinubu calls for the strengthening of bilateral ties between Nigeria and South Africa as strategic partners in Africa for the overall advancement of the continent.”

JOE BIDEN 🇺🇲

US President Joe Biden congratulated Ramaphosa on his re-election as president of the Republic of South Africa. He commended all the political parties for working together to form a Government of National Unity.

Biden also sent his warm wishes to the people of South Africa as 2024 marks 30 years of democracy.

“They have demonstrated the enduring power of government of the people, by the people, and for the people. I look forward to the United States and South Africa continuing our work together, to expand economic opportunity, invest in clean energy solutions, and demonstrate that democracy delivers.”

XI JINPING 🇨🇳

Chinese President Xi Jinping also sent his congratulatory message. He also noted that China and South Africa have profound political mutual trust and fruitful practical cooperation in various fields, which is a model of solidarity and cooperation among developing countries and the Global South.

Xi said that during his fourth state visit to South Africa in August 2023, he and Ramaphosa reached important consensus on a wide range of issues, marking a new chapter in building a high-level China-South Africa community with a shared future.

VLADIMIR PUTIN 🇷🇺

Russia's President Vladimir Putin also weighed in on Ramaphosa's re-election.

Putin said he appreciates Ramaphosa for his personal contribution to the development of strategic partnership relations between the two countries.

“I look forward to continuing our constructive dialogue and joint work on pressing items on the bilateral and international agenda and to welcoming you to the BRICS Summit in Kazan. I wish you every success in your responsible office of the head of state, as well as good health and well-being,” he said.

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY 🇺🇦

Zelenskyy took to X to wish Ramaphosa continued successful work for the benefit of the people of South Africa.

He said Ukraine is interested in advancing its mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation.

“We also value South Africa's participation in the Global Peace Summit and our joint efforts to restore just peace in Ukraine.

“We look forward to continuing our work on implementing the Peace Formula and restoring the full force of the UN Charter,” he wrote.

Ramaphosa will be inaugurated on July 19.

Cyril Ramaphosa will be inaugurated on Wednesday, 19 July in the capital Pretoria. National and foreign dignitaries, including Heads of State and Government have been invited.

Last updated on July 3rd, 2024 at 08:30 am