Jacob Zuma was sworn in as South African president yesterday after a remarkable political comeback, taking over a faltering economy plagued by crime, poverty and Aids. Former South African leader Nelson Mandela attended the presidential inauguration ceremony in an endorsement that is a huge political coup for Zuma.

"This is a moment of renewal," Zuma (67) said in his inauguration speech. Air force jets flew over the presidential offices where Zuma will have to make tough decisions as he juggles the interests of union and communist allies who helped him rise to the top, and foreign investors who fear he will steer the economy left.

At the top of Zuma's agenda will be navigating Africa's biggest economy through what could already be its first recession in 17 years.

The charismatic politician won a wide mandate to lead with a ruling African National Congress (ANC) landslide victory in the 22 April election.