In a significant development, South Africa's second-largest party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), has announced its support for Cyril Ramaphosa, leader of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), ensuring his re-election as the country's president. The ANC, which recently lost its majority in the national elections, has been engaged in intensive coalition talks with various parties over the past two weeks.

During the opening session of parliament on Friday, DA leader John Steenhuisen revealed that his predominantly white-led opposition party had formally signed a governing agreement with the ANC, making Ramaphosa the president. With the ANC and DA holding a combined majority of lawmakers, it appears likely that the 71-year-old leader will secure a second term in office.

In the May 29 elections, the ANC emerged as the largest party with 40 percent of the vote, followed by the DA with 21 percent. Additionally, two smaller parties, the Inkatha Freedom Party and the Patriotic Alliance, will join the coalition government.

The formation of a government of national unity, agreed upon by the majority of South Africa's political parties, was confirmed by ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula. The details of the unity government will be disclosed by Ramaphosa in due course. If Ramaphosa is the sole candidate nominated for the presidency, he will be elected automatically; however, if other candidates are put forward, a vote will be conducted.

This recent development marks a new chapter in South African politics, which has been largely dominated by the ANC since the end of the apartheid era. Sihle Zikalala, a member of the ANC's governing body, emphasized the significance of unity, stating that "Today marks the beginning of a new era where we put our differences aside and unite for the betterment of all South Africans."

Political analyst Ayesha Kajee explained that although the DA and ANC are ideologically opposed, the ANC chose not to form a coalition with the DA or other parties. Instead, they opted for a government of national unity, including smaller parties such as the DA and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). A key question remains regarding the allocation of cabinet and ministerial positions, as the DA and EFF are expected to negotiate for specific portfolios.

The ANC faces a deadline to finalize a coalition agreement within 14 days of the election results being declared, necessitating the convening of parliament. The sitting on Friday is expected to be lengthy, with the election of a speaker and deputy speaker preceding the presidential vote.

Notably, the MK Party, led by former ANC leader and South African President Jacob Zuma, has announced its boycott of the first sitting, with its 58 lawmakers abstaining. However, this is unlikely to impact the voting process, as the constitution stipulates that a quorum of at least one-third of lawmakers is required for votes to take place, and the ANC holds more than one-third of the seats.

Adding to the unusual circumstances, the parliamentary session will be held in a conference center near Cape Town's waterfront due to a fire in the National Assembly building in 2022.

South Africa's political landscape is witnessing a level of uncertainty that has not been experienced since the ANC's historic victory in the 1994 all-race elections, which marked the end of the apartheid era. With Ramaphosa poised to reclaim the presidency, the country prepares for a new era under his leadership.