By: Natasha Archary

President Cyril Ramaphosa has accepted the results of the 2024 National and Provincial elections, after his ruling party failed to receive a majority of the votes for the first time in 30-years.
Addressing the country at the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) Election Announcement Ceremony in Midrand on Sunday, 02 June Ramaphosa said the people have spoken and expressed that it’s time to put the country first.
Calling the 2024 elections a victory for democracy and constitutional order, Ramaphosa who was confident the ANC will retain power, was dealt a blow after newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party took a sizeable lead in KwaZulu-Natal, and were allocated 58 seats (27 Regional and 31 National) in Parliament.
“Our people have spoken. As the leaders of political parties, as all those who occupy positions of responsibility in society, we have heard the voices of our people and we must respect their wishes.
And now, we are all called upon to recognise that the results of the election reflect the will of the people.
What this election has made plain is that the people of South Africa expect their leaders to work together to meet their needs. They expect the parties for which they have voted to find common ground, to overcome their differences, to act and work together for the good of everyone.
Whatever authority, whatever power, we are entrusted with must be exercised to advance the interests of the people.
This is the time for all of us to put South Africa first. The people of this country expect and deserve no less.
God Bless South Africa and protect her people. Nkosi Sikelela iAfrika Morena Boloka sechabe sa Heso Hosi katekisa Afrika Dzonga God seen Suid Afrika Mudzimu vha fhatutshedze Afurika Tshipembe.”
“This is the time for all of us to put South Africa first. The people of this country expect and deserve no less.
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) June 3, 2024
God Bless South Africa and protect her people.
Nkosi Sikelela iAfrika
Morena Boloka sechabe sa Heso
Hosi katekisa Afrika Dzonga
God seen Suid Afrika
Mudzimu vha… pic.twitter.com/wOqA1n8ZnE
After losing 70 seats in the National Assembly, the ANC will need to go into coalition talks with one or more political parties, but ANC Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula made it clear Ramaphosa will not be stepping down.



