By Christian Smith 

Cyril Ramaphosa has been “duly” elected as the new President of South Africa. 

Mr Ramaphosa, the leader of the ruling African National Congress, ANC was elected unopposed.

The Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, presided over an election this afternoon to choose a replacement head of state, following the resignation of President Jacob Zuma late on Valentine’s day.

Mr Zuma was pressurised to step down over several allegations of corruption.

Mr Ramaphosa, 65, an anti-apartheid campaigner was nominated as a candidate by ANC backbencher Patrick Maesela.

The nomination was seconded by Joanmariae Fubbs, chairperson of the committee on trade and industry.

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As there were no further nomination, the Chief Judge said: Mr Ramaphosa was “duly elected as the President of South Africa.”

National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete was one of the first to congratulate the new president.

She said: “South Africa has just emerged from a historic and challenging time.

“The challenges of this week and resignation of the former president brought to mind the resignation of Mbeki.

“I, however, truly believe our democracy has matured and remains resilient.”