NEW: Ambassador Hamadziripi congratulates SA on Ramaphosa inauguration

Zimpapers Politics Hub

Zimbabwe’s envoy to South Africa, Ambassador David Hamadziripi, this afternoon congratulated the Government and people of South Africa following the inauguration of President Cyril Ramaphosa for a second term.

The inauguration was attended by President Mnangagwa together with other leaders from the region and beyond.

President Ramaphosa was re-elected after the ruling party, ANC, garnered just above 40 percent of the vote and entered into a Government of National Unity with the Democratic Alliance (DA), which came second in the elections, and other smaller parties.

Former South African President Jacob Zuma’s Umkonto WeSizwe (MK), which came third and Mr Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), placed fourth, remained in opposition.

President Ramaphosa was re-elected last Friday by Parliament, garnering 283 votes and beating his rival Mr Malema who got 44 votes.

In an interview with broadcaster Newzroom Afrika at the Union Buildings during President Ramaphosa’s inauguration, Ambassador Hamadziripi said Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa had joined the mega festivities as a sign of the sisterly relations between the two neighbouring countries.

“We were very much impressed by the way the election was organised. We were also part of the SADC and the African Union observer groups,” he said.

“I had the privilege of visiting a few polling stations on that day. It was quiet and very peaceful. Everybody went about their business nicely.

“We are confident that the Government that is going to be appointed after this inauguration is one that is going to take South Africa forward, one that is going to promote good neighbourliness, regional and continental integration.”