Fellow Citizens,
Join me this afternoon in congratulating H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa and his alliance partners, who have formed a government of national unity which has led to his subsequent inauguration as President of South Africa for the second time, at a function attended by several foreign heads of state from Africa and beyond.
President Ramaphosa and the people of South Africa represent a ‘true testimony that democracy can work in Africa even when you allow your political foes to freely assemble and associate.’ This is the spirit of true democracy all African states must emulate and embrace.
In like manner, allow me to congratulate my brother, former President of South Africa, His Excellency Jacob Zuma, for showing political resilience, patriotism, and courageous leadership resulting in your new party, Mkhonto we Sizwe (MK) scooping 14.5% (58 parliamentary seats) thereby becoming the country’s official opposition party in parliament and outside. This is a hallmark political achievement that must be celebrated by all members of MK and must serve as motivation to aim higher.
To the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Mr. Julius Malema, and all your members, I want to salute you too for scooping 9.5% (35 parliamentary seats). This means that EFF is still a critical and important part of South African politics today and tomorrow!
In the spirit of togetherness under the flag of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), I send my heartfelt congratulations to President Cyril Ramaposa once more and the South African people for this momentous occasion.
God bless you all!
H.E. Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu
Sixth President of Zambia
Patriotic Front Party President
