Jacob Zuma was sworn in as South Africa's fourth president since the end of apartheid on Saturday, overcoming corruption scandals and criminal charges.

Thousands of South Africans watched the inauguration from the lawns below the Union Buildings veranda in Pretoria.  Nearly 30 heads of state attended the ceremony.  South Africa's venerable former president, Nelson Mandela, was among the dignitaries at the inauguration.  The 90 year-old former political prisoner appeared frail.

Mr. Zuma's election by parliament Wednesday, after his party won a resounding victory in general elections last month, capped a comeback for the politician who was fired as South Africa's deputy president in 2005 over a corruption scandal.  He later fought off corruption and rape charges.

Mr. Zuma's populist message of job creation, land reform and rural development, health and education reform, and poverty reduction appealed to many South Africans.

On Wednesday, Mr. Zuma told parliament his government's first priority would be responding to the "challenges posed by the global economic downturn."  

He is expected to name his Cabinet Sunday.

Some information for this report was provided by Reuters