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Zuma sworn in as South African president
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-05-09 21:06

JOHANNESBURG - Jacob Zuma was officially sworn in as South Africa's fourth president at about 11: 20 am on Saturday when he took the oath of office at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

Zuma sworn in as South African president
Jacob Zuma is sworn in as president of South Africa in Pretoria May 9, 2009. [Agencies]

Led by Chief Justice Pius Langa, he declared, "I, Jacob Zuma, solemnly swear that I will observe and maintain the Constitution of the Republic and I solemnly and sincerely promise that I will always promote all that will advance the public, and oppose all that may harm it."

He vowed to "protect and promote the rights of all South Africans," saying he would let "truth be the dictate of my conscience."

"I will devote myself to the well-being of the Republic and all of its people. So help me God," he said amid loud applause.