President Jacob Zuma took his oath of office for a second term at around 11.35am at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Saturday.
He was led by Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng.
“In the presence of everyone assembled here and in full realisation of the high calling I assume as president of the Republic of South Africa, I Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma swear that I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa and will obey, observe, uphold, and maintain the Constitution and all other law[s] of the republic…” he said.
“I solemnly and sincerely promise that I will always promote all that will advance the Republic and oppose all that may harm it.”
There was a loud cheer after Zuma said “so help me God”.
Mogoeng then asked Zuma to sign a certificate while placing his hand on a Bible.
Mogoeng then congratulate him.
Zuma began addressing the nation before midday at his inauguration ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Saturday.
“I am greatly honoured …to accept the mandate bestowed upon [me]…to lead this great nation for the next five years. I accept this honour….with great priviledge,” he said.
“Ours is a nation that has produced generations of selfless freedom fighters…This is a nation that has worked tirelessly to build a new society from the ashes of apartheid…opting for reconciliation instead of retribution.”
A large crowd of people on the lawns of the Union Buildings in Pretoria blew vuvuzelas and cheered on Saturday after Zuma took his oath of office
A section of the crowd at the back started chanting songs praising Zuma.
They sang :” uZuma lo.. abangaziyo..abazang ba mbona..[this is Zuma, those who do not know him, have never met him before].”
They raised their national flags high, and cheered at the gun salute fired by the military.
Source – Timelive