Zuma sworn in as
South Africa's president
Pretoria - New South African president Jacob Zuma praised his axed predecessor Thabo Mbekion Saturday, saying he had put the country's interest above his own.
"In his last address to the nation as head of state in September last year, he demonstrated his patriotism and put the interest of the country above his person," Zuma said in his inauguration speech in Pretoria.
"Thank you, Zizi (Mbeki's clan name), for demonstrating a character that the ANC had always embodied since 1912."
Mbeki resigned after he was recalled from office by the African National Congress national executive committee last September.
This came after a court found that he had possibly interfered in a decision to prosecute Zuma for corruption.
In 2005, Mbeki fired Zuma as deputy president of the country after Zuma's financial adviser at the time, Schabir Shaik, was found guilty of corruption.
"In June 1999, former president Mbeki came to this very podium to take the oath of office as the second president of the Republic," said Zuma.
Mbeki made a "remarkable contribution" to strengthening democracy and created a "firm foundation" for economic growth and development, said Zuma.
"He worked tirelessly for an African rebirth," Zuma said to applause.
Zuma also paid tribute to South Africa's first democratically elected president Nelson Mandela, saying he taught citizens how to "live together in harmony and peace".
"Thank you, Madiba, for showing us the way."
Zuma also acknowledged the role of apartheid's last president, FW de Klerk, in his role in the transition to democracy.
Lastly, Zuma thanked caretaker president Kgalema Motlanthe, who took over after Mbeki's axing.
"He came into office during a period of great anxiety. He brought stability and certainty. He has led us in a very capable manner as the transition became remarkably smooth and well-managed," said Zuma.
Source - South Africa Press Agency (SAPA)
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