Jacob Zuma was sworn in as South African president today after a remarkable political comeback, taking over a faltering economy plagued by crime, poverty and AIDS.
Former South African leader Nelson Mandela, considered a symbol of the anti-apartheid struggle, attended the presidential inauguration ceremony, in a huge political coup for Mr Zuma.
Mr Zuma (67) taking the oath of office before heads of state was unthinkable during turbulent years when graft and rape charges nearly ruined him, crises that might have buried many politicians.
"This is a moment of renewal," Mr Zuma said in his inauguration speech.
Air force jets flew over the presidential offices where Mr Zuma will have to make tough decisions as he juggles the interests of union and communist allies who helped him rise to the top, and foreign investors who fear he will steer the economy left.
Speaking after he was sworn in, Mr Zuma said that the country must acknowledge it is in tough economic times and would not be spared the impact of the global credit crunch.
"We must acknowledge that we find ourselves in difficult economic times. Jobs are being lost in every economy across the world. We will not be spared the negative impact, and are beginning to feel the pinch," he said.
At the top of Mr Zuma's agenda will be navigating Africa's biggest economy through what could already be its first recession in 17 years.
The charismatic politician won a wide mandate to lead with a ruling African National Congress (ANC) landslide victory in the April 22nd election.
Reuters