In a historic move, Cyril Ramaphosa has been reelected as South Africa's president during the first sitting of the newly elected parliament. This victory was made possible through the support of several opposition parties, leading to the formation of a government of national unity with Ramaphosa's African National Congress (ANC).

Having come to power in 1994 after the end of Apartheid, the ANC experienced a setback in the recent elections as it lost its parliamentary majority for the first time. With only 159 out of the 400 seats in the National Assembly, the ANC relied on the Democratic Alliance (DA), which secured 87 seats, to secure Ramaphosa's reelection. Additionally, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and Patriotic Alliance (PA) have also agreed to be part of the government of national unity.

Earlier on Friday, the ANC and the DA reached a groundbreaking deal to form a unity government, putting aside their past political differences. The DA's leader, John Steenhuisen, expressed his optimism about this new chapter in South Africa's history. The IFP and PA have also pledged their participation in the unity government.

The composition of the new cabinet and specific government positions have yet to be decided, as ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula stated that "things are fluid." However, analysts speculate that the ANC and the DA will form the core of the government of national unity.

Notably, the radical leftist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) declined to join the unity government, according to Mbalula. Discussions with the EFF did not yield an agreement on the Government of National Unity (GNU), while the ANC plans to continue engaging with the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party led by former President Jacob Zuma, who has voiced concerns about the election results.

The first sitting of parliament took place at the Cape Town International Convention Center due to ongoing renovations at the parliamentary building, which was severely damaged in a fire earlier this year. Members of parliament were sworn in, and Thoko Didiza, a member of the ANC's national executive committee, was elected as the speaker of the National Assembly.

President Ramaphosa's inauguration is scheduled for June 19 in Pretoria, where he will be sworn in and unveil his new cabinet. The cabinet will consist of members from the ANC and the parties involved in the unity government.

This momentous development reflects the willingness of South Africa's political parties to forge alliances and put the interests of the nation first, as they work together to address the country's challenges and move towards a brighter future.