President of South Africa

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Incumbent
Cyril Ramaphosa

since 15 February 2018

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The President of South Africa is the head of state and head of government of the Republic of South Africa. The President leads the executive branch of the Government of South Africa and is the commander-in-chief of the South African National Defence Force.

History

The office of the President was established in 1994, following the end of apartheid and the first democratic elections in South Africa. The first President was Nelson Mandela, who served from 1994 to 1999. The position replaced the earlier office of State President of South Africa, which existed from 1961 to 1994.

Election

The President is elected by the National Assembly of South Africa, the lower house of Parliament. The election takes place after a general election, and the President serves a term of five years, which can be renewed once. The President must be a member of the National Assembly at the time of the election.

Powers and Duties

The President has various powers and duties, including:

• Appointing the Deputy President and Ministers.
• Signing bills into law.
• Representing South Africa in international affairs.
• Commanding the South African National Defence Force.
• Granting pardons and reprieves.

Residence

The official residence of the President is Mahlamba Ndlopfu, located in Pretoria. The President also has an official residence in Cape Town, known as Genadendal Residence.

List of Presidents

• Nelson Mandela (1994–1999)
• Thabo Mbeki (1999–2008)
• Kgalema Motlanthe (2008–2009)
• Jacob Zuma (2009–2018)
• Cyril Ramaphosa (2018–present)

See Also

• Deputy President of South Africa
• Government of South Africa
• National Assembly of South Africa
• Parliament of South Africa
• South African National Defence Force
• Mahlamba Ndlopfu
• Genadendal Residence