Jacob Zuma was sworn in as South Africa’s new president today, and vowed to work to fulfil the dreams of all his people amid a global economic meltdown after he overcame corruption and sex scandals to reach the nation’s highest office.

Jacob Zuma officially became South Africa’s new president today.

South Africans spread blankets on the lawns of the presidential compound in Pretoria before dawn today as the country prepared to swear in Jacob Zuma with an excitement that recalled Nelson Mandela’s 1994 inauguration.