The New Patriotic Party has congratulated Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa on his election as the leader of the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa.
The South African Vice President and prominent anti-apartheid campaigner beat Nkosazana Clarice Dlamini-Zuma, former Chairperson of the African Union Commission to lead the ANC for the next five years.
In a statement, the NPP expressed the hope that Mr Ramaphosa, who is one of South Africa's wealthiest businessmen would live up to the aspiration of the black majority, which still reel in poverty and inequality over two decades after the end of apartheid.
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“The NPP is convinced that the election of Ramaphosa, whose campaign primarily centred on the fight against corruption, the promotion of good governance and to increase economic growth, will prove to be one of the most momentous in South Africa's recent history." the statement said.
Cyril Ramaphosa is most likely to become South Africa's next President, replacing Jacob Zuma, whose popularity has plummeted over the past years due to corruption allegations. The ANC is however expected to face stiff opposition from Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters party.
South Africa will go to the polls to elect a new President in 2019.
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