South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has been reelected for a second term after a last-minute coalition deal with the Democratic Alliance (DA). 

The African National Congress (ANC) leader won the vote in Parliament with 283 votes, surpassing Julius Malema of the Economic Freedom Fighters, who received 44 votes.

Ramaphosa’s reelection was made possible by the support of the DA and smaller parties, who backed him after the ANC lost its majority in the recent election. 

The ANC signed a coalition agreement with the DA during a break in the parliamentary session, ensuring Ramaphosa’s victory and paving the way for a historic national coalition government.

This development marks a significant shift in South African politics, as no party holds a majority in Parliament. The ANC and DA will now work together to govern Africa’s most industrialized economy, ushering in a new era of cooperation and collaboration. 

The 71-year-old Ramaphosa’s second term is set to be shaped by this unprecedented coalition, as he navigates the complexities of leading a divided government.

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