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South African democracy has shown its resilience after a week of political turmoil, new President Kgalema Motlanthe said in his first address to the nation Sunday. "Our country is emerging from one of the most difficult weeks in the history of our young democracy," Motlanthe said on national television.
"Over the course of the last few days, we have proven the durability of our constitutional order and the vibrancy of our democracy," he added.
Motlanthe was sworn in as president on Thursday, following the unceremonious ousting of Thabo Mbeki who had led the country since 1999. "We have no choice now other than to move forward, to forge ahead undaunted with the tasks we have set ourselves," said Motlanthe.
The new President paid a glowing tribute to Mbeki and credited him for the country's achievements in the last decade. "For all the work he has done for South Africa, for our continent and for the advancement of the global community, we remain forever indebted," Motlanthe said.
Mbeki bowed to a call to resign from the presidency following a damning court ruling that hinted he was instrumental in a decision to prosecute his long-time rival Zuma, whom he fired as the country's deputy president in 2005.
His resignation and those of lawmakers close to him threw the country into political turmoil and rattled the markets. "Working together, we will continue to grow our economy so that it can meet the needs of our people," Motlanthe added. "Together we will continue the work to expand access to quality education and healthcare to all our people, especially the poor."
The deputy president of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), Motlanthe has been a member of parliament since May. He is expected to be at the helm until the country's next general election in six months' time. His swift move on Friday to form a government following an exodus of ministers loyal to Mbeki has earned him respect among the opposition and business leaders.On Thursday, Nelson Mandela, who seldom comments on political matters since his retirement from public life in 2004, said Motlanthe was "eminently deserving" of the post.
"You are a quiet, firm and principled leader, one who puts reason above emotions and one who seeks to unite rather than divide. We know that our country is in good hands with you at the helm of government," said South Africa's first post-apartheid president Mandela in a letter.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2008

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