Jacob Zuma, leader of the African National Congress, has been sworn in as South Africa's new president.
He took the oath in front of 5,000 invited guests and crowds of supporters who had gathered at the Union Buildings in Pretoria for the ceremony.
In a speech, he described it as a "moment of renewal" for South Africa, and vowed to work for reconciliation.
Correspondents described a festive atmosphere in the capital that was not dampened by earlier rain and cold.
He took the oath in front of 5,000 invited guests and crowds of supporters who had gathered at the Union Buildings in Pretoria for the ceremony.
In a speech, he described it as a "moment of renewal" for South Africa, and vowed to work for reconciliation.
Correspondents described a festive atmosphere in the capital that was not dampened by earlier rain and cold.
Mr Zuma, 67, is expected to bring a populist touch, ensuring a very different presidency to that of Thabo Mbeki.
But his first speech as president was measured and statesmanlike, not intended to whip up the crowds into a frenzy as he often does, the BBC's Joseph Winter in Pretoria says.
But his first speech as president was measured and statesmanlike, not intended to whip up the crowds into a frenzy as he often does, the BBC's Joseph Winter in Pretoria says.
Convincing victory
Jacob Zuma's journey to the Union Buildings has been an epic struggle, the BBC's South Africa correspondent Peter Biles says.
He was sacked as vice-president by Thabo Mbeki four years ago after being implicated in a corruption scandal - allegations Mr Zuma always denied.
He was sacked as vice-president by Thabo Mbeki four years ago after being implicated in a corruption scandal - allegations Mr Zuma always denied.
The case was eventually thrown out amid evidence of government meddling in the investigation.
In February 2006, he was acquitted of rape in a separate case, though he was widely criticised for his comments about sex and HIV/Aids.
At the time, few observers believed Mr Zuma could remain a serious contender for president, our correspondent says.
But he fought to clear his name, retained enormous popularity, especially among his fellow Zulus, and led the ANC to a convincing election victory two weeks ago on a pro-poor populist ticket.
He was officially elected president by members of parliament on Wednesday, and is due unveil his new cabinet on Sunday.
Mr Zuma has listed his five priorities as land redistribution, education, health, lowering crime levels and finding decent work for all South Africans.
He has promised a more hands-on approach and to work more closely with the opposition.
In February 2006, he was acquitted of rape in a separate case, though he was widely criticised for his comments about sex and HIV/Aids.
At the time, few observers believed Mr Zuma could remain a serious contender for president, our correspondent says.
But he fought to clear his name, retained enormous popularity, especially among his fellow Zulus, and led the ANC to a convincing election victory two weeks ago on a pro-poor populist ticket.
He was officially elected president by members of parliament on Wednesday, and is due unveil his new cabinet on Sunday.
Mr Zuma has listed his five priorities as land redistribution, education, health, lowering crime levels and finding decent work for all South Africans.
He has promised a more hands-on approach and to work more closely with the opposition.
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