( CNN ) -- South African President Jacob Zuma was sworn in Saturday for a second term , pledging to focus on the economy in a country battling growing inequality . `` Today marks the beginning of the second phase of our transition from apartheid to a national democratic society , '' Zuma said during his inauguration at the Union Buildings in Pretoria . `` This second phase will involve the implementation of radical socioeconomic transformation policies and programs over the next five years . '' His party , the African National Congress , won the general election this month , holding on to power despite economic woes , deadly mining protests and corruption allegations . It got 62 % of the vote -- lower than the last time -- with its popularity and that of Zuma 's taking a hit due to various issues , including a scandal centered in his private homestead in Nkandla . The state watchdog has alleged more than $ 20 million of public money was misused in improvements to the sprawling complex . Zuma has denied any wrongdoing . After a turbulent first term , Zuma said his government will perform better this time around and take responsibility for any shortcomings . `` We will ... ensure much tighter accountability , with firm consequences where there is a failure to deliver services to our people , '' he said . He said South Africa has made progress since the days of apartheid two decades ago . `` While the lives of millions of people have improved , poverty , inequality and unemployment still persist , '' he said . `` Economic transformation will take center stage during this new term of government as we put the economy on an inclusive growth path . '' The ANC , which has governed for 20 years , still enjoys widespread support after the defeat of the apartheid system and the beginning of democracy in South Africa . Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and his Zimbabwean counterpart , Robert Mugabe , were among the heads of state attending Saturday 's ceremony .
South African President Jacob Zuma vows his government will perform better this time . Zuma 's party , the African National Congress , won 62 % of vote -- lower than before . ANC still enjoys widespread support after governing 20 years .