Jacob Zuma (right) is sworn in as president of the Republic of South Africa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, May 24, 2014

Jacob Zuma was sworn in as president of the Republic of South Africa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on May 24, 2014. 

The president was given a 21-gun salute to the backdrop of a helicopter and military aircraft flyby, a squadron of which flew in a "20" formation to celebrate two decades of democracy in South Africa. 

In his inauguration speech, Zuma thanked South Africa for electing him to a second term. 

He told the nation that economic transformation will take center-stage during this new term of government as the country puts the economy on an inclusive growth path. 

Zuma said the country will use the National Development Plan as a roadmap to prosperity. 

"Today marks the beginning of the second phase of our transition from apartheid to a national democratic society," he said. "This second phase will involve the implementation of radical socio-economic transformation policies and programs over the next five years." 

After the formal ceremony at the Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Zuma proceeded to the Southern Lawns to greet and thank all those who had gathered to witness the occasion. 

He thanked the 20,000-strong crowd for casting their votes during the General Elections two weeks ago, and assured them that government would work hard to deliver on its promises over the next five years. 

More than 40 heads of state and government, VIPs, celebrities and royalty attended the inauguration.