South Africa's New Era of Political Maturity: Ramaphosa's Parliament Opening

 South Africa's Calm Opening of Parliament Heralds New Era

South Africa’s parliament has entered a new era of political maturity, marked by a calm and orderly opening session. President Cyril Ramaphosa laid out his plans for the first time since the coalition government took office, without interruptions or chaos.

This new atmosphere results from the African National Congress (ANC) failing to secure more than 50% of the vote for the first time in the democratic era. Former President Jacob Zuma, leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, was barred from running as an MP and declined to attend the session. The MK, a party founded less than a year ago, is now the official opposition, with its house leader, disgraced former Justice John Hlophe, promising to avoid petty politics.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), known for disrupting parliament, pledged to change their ways, with leader Julius Malema committing to being a constructive opposition. Members of the Democratic Alliance (DA), formerly the official opposition and now part of the coalition government, supported Ramaphosa’s hour-long speech, which focused on rapid, inclusive economic growth, job creation, and reducing the cost of basic goods.

Ramaphosa's humbled ANC entered parliament with the fewest members since it came to power 30 years ago. After losing its majority, the ANC formed a coalition with nine other parties. Ramaphosa emphasized the coalition government’s determination to work together for all South Africans, blending ANC policies with concessions to the DA.

Ramaphosa stressed that economic growth must empower black South Africans, women, and those marginalized in the past. The government plans massive infrastructure investments and will exempt more essential food items from VAT to tackle high living costs, a DA initiative to combat poverty.

The ANC’s plan for universal healthcare will proceed with stakeholder consultations, despite opposition from the DA and private medical groups. DA leader and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen welcomed Ramaphosa’s speech, expressing willingness to negotiate rather than resorting to court.

New sports minister Gayton McKenzie praised Ramaphosa’s speech, while John Trollip from Action SA criticized it for lacking credibility. Malema also doubted Ramaphosa’s plans to transform South Africa, but senior researcher TK Pooe from the Wits School of Governance saw it as a realistic approach to addressing the country’s choke points: energy, infrastructure, and local government.

Pooe and Hlophe noted the absence of foreign policy issues in Ramaphosa’s speech, suggesting that the coalition might influence South Africa's stance on Israel and Russia. Hlophe criticized the omission of land reform without compensation, a key MK policy and national issue.

The opening of parliament coincided with Nelson Mandela's birthday, symbolizing hope and renewal. Ramaphosa acknowledged the need for hard work to build consensus within the unity government, aiming to address South Africa’s critical issues collaboratively.