Jacob Zuma elected as South Africa's President

Ruling ANC chief Jacob Zuma, who was on Wednesday elected as South Africa's president by the country's parliament with a thumping majority, vowed to work quickly to promote friendship, harmony and bolster the nation's economy.

Zuma polled 277 votes as against his opponent Mvume Dandala, who got 47 votes in the parliament, convened for the first time after he led African National Congress (ANC) to a landslide win. Three votes were cancelled.

67-year-old African leader was nominated by Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, the former wife of South Africa's first democratic president Nelson Mandela.

"I stand before this house and the nation overwhelmed by the task ahead. I am truly humbled to serve as the fourth president of the country," he told parliament in Cape Town, shortly after lawmakers named him the new president.

"We expect hard work and utmost dedication," he said.

President-elect Zuma said he will be more accessible and a hands-on president in order to achieve the socio-economic development and uplift of all people.

South Africa, he said, is a remarkable country with very special people. We normally get caught up with our day-to-day challenges and forget this fact.