African National Congress party (ANC) supporters gather for the swearing-in ceremony for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday, May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
The Associated Press
PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) - South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday urged the country to pursue "an extraordinary feat of human endeavor" as he was sworn in for a five-year term with a delicate fight against government corruption ahead of him.
"The challenges our country face are huge and real. But they are not insurmountable. They can be solved. And I stand here today saying they are going to be solved," Ramaphosa told some 30,000 people in the capital, Pretoria, with several African leaders in attendance.
He promised a new era in which officials will improve the lives of South Africans instead of enriching themselves. He called for a state free from graft and "resources squandered," and urged fellow citizens to end poverty in a generation. Both would be immense achievements: Corruption and mismanagement have consumed billions of rand, and South Africa is the world's most economically unequal country .
Ramaphosa's inauguration followed his ruling African National Congress party's 57.5% victory in this month's election. It was the party's weakest showing at the ballot box since the ANC took power at the end of the harsh system of racial apartheid in 1994, as voter turnout and confidence fell.
Ramaphosa first took office last year after former president Jacob Zuma was pressured to resign amid corruption scandals that badly damaged public faith in the ANC. A former protege of South Africa's first black president, Nelson Mandela, Ramaphosa is seen by many as having the potential to clean up both the government and the ruling party's reputation. Without him the ANC likely would have received just 40% of the vote, one party leader, Fikile Mbalula, has said.
There was no sign at Saturday's ceremony of Zuma, who has insisted he did nothing wrong and that allegations are politically motivated. His allies within the ANC leadership pose a challenge to Ramaphosa as he pursues reforms.
Ahead of the election Ramaphosa apologized to South Africans for the political turmoil. He also vowed to continue the fight against graft that has hurt the country's economy, the most developed in sub-Saharan Africa.
The president's resolve to impose clean governance will be tested with the appointment of his new Cabinet in the coming days. He faces pressure from opposition parties and civil society to reduce the number of ministers - there are now 34 - and appoint ones who are scandal-free.
In a sign his efforts are working, former deputy president David Mabuza was not sworn in as a member of Parliament due to an incriminating report on him by the ANC's integrity commission. For now, Ramaphosa is without a deputy.
In his speech on Saturday the president also addressed public frustration with joblessness, patchy delivery of basic services and the legacy of inequality. Unemployment is above 25% and much of the country's wealth and private levers of power are held by the small white minority.
"Many South Africans still go to bed hungry," Ramaphosa said. "Many live lives of intolerable deprivation. Too many of our people do not work, especially the youth."
One challenge for the president in the years ahead is engaging potential voters in South Africa's "Born Free" generation , who never experienced apartheid and unlike their parents see the ANC not as a party of liberation but one expected to deliver for the future.
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Cyril Ramaphosa, left, takes the oath of office, with Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, left, at the Loftus Versveld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday, May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (Photo Siphiwe Sibeko, Reuters via AP)(Photo Siphiwe Sibeko, Pool Photo via AP)
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, at his inauguration at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday, May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (AP Photo)
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Cyril Ramaphosa, takes the oath of office, at the Loftus Versveld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday, May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (Photo Siphiwe Sibeko, Pool Photo via AP)
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African National Congress party (ANC) supporters gather for the swearing-in ceremony for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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South Africans cheer during the swearing-in ceremony of Cyril Ramaphosa at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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African National Congress party (ANC) supporters gather for the swearing-in ceremony for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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Cyril Ramaphosa waves after taking the oath of office, at the Loftus Versveld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday, May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (Siphiwe Sibeko/Pool Photo via AP)
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Soldiers parade at the inauguration of President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Loftus Versveld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday, May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (Siphiwe Sibeko/Pool Photo via AP)
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrives for his swearing-in ceremony at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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Planes perform a flypast at the inauguration of Cyril Ramaphosa at the Loftus Versveld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday, May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (Siphiwe Sibeko/Pool Photo via AP)
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa waves at supporters after being sworn-in at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa takes the Oath of Office alongside Chief Justice, Mogoeng Mogoeng, at the Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday, May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (AP Photo)
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Cyril Ramaphosa arrives at the Loftus Versveld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday, May 25, 2019 for his swearing-in ceremony. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (Siphiwe Sibeko, Pool Photo via AP)
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, right, takes the Oath of Office alongside Chief Justice, Mogoeng Mogoeng, left, at the Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday, May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (AP Photo)
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, centret, takes the Oath of Office alongside Chief Justice, Mogoeng Mogoeng, left, at the Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday, May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (Yeshiel Panchia/ Pool Photo via AP)
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa reviews the troops after being sworn-in at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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African National Congress party (ANC) supporters gather for the swearing-in ceremony for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday, May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrives for his swearing-in ceremony at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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Flanked by South African Chief Justice Mogeng Mogoeng, left, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrives for his swearing-in ceremony at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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Flanked by South African Chief Justice Mogeng Mogoeng, left, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is sworn-in at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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African National Congress party (ANC) supporters gather for the swearing-in ceremony for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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African National Congress party (ANC) supporters gather for the swearing-in ceremony for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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Former South African President Frederik Willem de Klerk arrives for the swearing-in ceremony of Cyril Ramaphosa at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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African National Congress party (ANC) supporters gather for the swearing-in ceremony for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday, May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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African National Congress party (ANC) supporters gather for the swearing-in ceremony for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday, May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa arrives for the swearing-in ceremony of Cyril Ramaphosa at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, right, takes the Oath of Office at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday, May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (Yeshiel Panchia/Pool Photo via AP)
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Rwanda President Paul Kagame arrives for the swearing-in ceremony of Cyril Ramaphosa at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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South Sudan President Salva Kiir arrives for the swearing-in ceremony of Cyril Ramaphosa at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni arrives for the swearing-in ceremony of Cyril Ramaphosa at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi arrives for the swearing-in ceremony of Cyril Ramaphosa at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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King Mswati III of Swaziland arrives for the swearing-in ceremony of Cyril Ramaphosa at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde arrives for the swearing-in ceremony of Cyril Ramaphosa at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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Equatorial Guinea Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue arrives for the swearing-in ceremony of Cyril Ramaphosa at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday May 25, 2019. Ramaphosa has vowed to crack down on the corruption that contributed to the ruling ANC' s weakest election showing in a quarter-century. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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