Political parties have congratulated President Cyril Ramaphosa on his re-election with hopes for a new dawn for the country 

Ramaphosa was nominated alongside the EFF's Julius Malema and came out victorious with 283 votes as opposed to his opponent who got 44 votes.

DA leader ,John Steenhuisen, said they look foward to working with Ramaphosa. He called on political parties to end finger-pointing and start a new era.

"In this election the voters chose not to give any party its own majority and in doing so they have told us that they want us to work together to build a prosperous, non racial and united South Africa."

He said they have an obligation to rise to the occasion of serving the citizens' interests.

"Despite the different political T shirts we wore during the elections each and everyone of us is a South African first. Our country needs us to step up and ensure that together our country prospers and that those who have been called to this house serve. The Democratic Alliance and I look forward to working with you Mr President in forming a government that is united for the people."

Patriotic Alliance leader, Gayton Mckenzie, also congratulated president-elect Cyril Ramaphosa on his re-election.

"I would like to congratulate the president Mr Ramaphosa. I'm standing here as a person who got a second chance, 96 per cent of guys that come from prison go back to jail and my being here comes as hope that they can see that they don't have to go back to prison. I think that this country has gotten another chance and when you get a second chance you must use it optimally. I think the voters gave all of us a second chance." He congratulated the ANC for accepting the results even when they didn't get 50%.

"The world is full of stories of presidents that only accept results when they get over 50%. I will support the GNU and I'm proud of it, at this point as the DA leader has said, we're done with politicking. There will be those among us who will call us sell outs because they are not part of the GNU but we've learned from them."

Action SA's Athol Trollip said they pray on behalf of all South Africans that his term in office will be considerably better than the last.

"In the first term, we noted that corruption got worse, crime reached an all time high and multiple problems of poverty, unemployment and inequality were more pervasive than ever before. The people of South Africa deserve a better government and we pray that this will be a better government. However, when you come towards with proposals that will take our country forward, we will support."

Rise Mzansi leader, Songezo Zib,i extended his heartfelt congratulations Ramaphosa .

"Today we get to see a peaceful transfer of power which is a miracle, from one administration to the next. It's something we must never take for granted because other countries are not so fortunate. Ours collectively is a weighted task as public representatives as fewer people trust the political system. We need a strong and capable government so that we may restore the trust of our people in our democracy. We will hold you accountable when the need arises."

YOU WILL ACCOUNT

EFF leader Malema said they contested because they wanted to demonstrate to South Africa that they do not agree to this "marriage of conveniences and refuse to sell out." 

"Congratulations Mr president,we accept the results and the voice of the people of South Africa which was expressed on the 29th May. We also accept the results of this gathering because it's a reflection of democratic practices. We contested because we wanted to demonstrate to South Africa that we don't agree to this marriage of convenience to consolidate the white monopoly power over the economy and the means of production in the country."

He said "this marriage"seeks to undermine the changing of property relations in SA. "We refuse to sell out. We don't have a history of collaborations, we are going to make sure that this parliament is functional. We are not going to fight with any bouncer but we are going to make sure that we are the most effective opposition."Malema said this is not a GNU but a grand coalition between the ANC and the white monopoly capitalists.