South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was sworn in on Wednesday for a second term in office.
The 71-year-old is to preside over a coalition government for the next five years, after his African National Congress party lost its majority for the first time in elections on May 29.
Ramaphosa took the oath of office in front of the Union Buildings, the official seat of government in the capital Pretoria.
He had been confirmed as head of state by the newly elected parliament a few days previously. The next step is for Ramaphosa to appoint his cabinet.
The so-called Government of National Unity sought by the ANC includes the economically liberal Democratic Alliance (DA), the Zulu-dominated Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and two small parties, Patriotic Alliance (PA) and GOOD. The ANC says it is still in talks with other parties that could also join the coalition.
The government alliance will probably be formed without any firm coalition agreements. Political analysts have questioned the stability and effectiveness of such a form of government.
South Africa is becoming increasingly important internationally due to its position in a continent rich in the raw material reserves needed for the energy transition. The country is also the only African member of the group of major economies (G20).