President Sata sworn as Zambia's 5th republican president.

PATRIOTIC Front (PF) president Michael Sata was on September 23, 2011 sworn in as Zambia’s fifth President at a momentous ceremony witnessed by thousands of people at the Supreme Court buildings in Lusaka.
There was jubilation from the people who thronged the Supreme Court when Chief Justice Ernest Sakala swore in Mr Sata and handed him the instruments of power.
“I, Michael Chilufya Sata, having been constitutionally elected to the office of President of the Republic of Zambia, do swear that I will faithfully and diligently discharge my duties and perform my functions in this high office, that I will uphold and defend the constitution and laws of Zambia, that I will dedicate my abilities to the service and welfare of the people of Zambia without fear, favour or ill-will, help me God,” President Sata declared.
The crowd inside and outside the court premises broke into deafening celebrations, amid singing and dancing, during the ceremony.
Earlier, the President arrived to a thunderous welcome at the Supreme Court, accompanied by his predecessor, Rupiah Banda, first Republican President Kenneth Kaunda, First Lady Christine Kaseba, PF and MMD officials.
Heads of State and government in the region also arrived, alongside Mr Sata.
These are the presidents of Malawi Bingu wa Mutharika and Botswana’s General Ian Khama.
Other foreign dignitaries were Vice-President of Zimbabwe Joyce Mujuru, Tanzania’s Dr Mohamed Gharib Bilal, Deputy Prime Minister of Namibia Marco Hausiku, Deputy Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo Daniel Koyagialo and Defence Minister of South Africa Lindiwe Sisulu.
The rest were President of the National Assembly of Angola Antonia Paulo Kassoma and Mozambique’s Minister of Transport and Communications Paulo Zucula.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, judges, defence and security chiefs, the clergy and diplomats accredited to Zambia attended the ceremony.
Business came to a standstill in Lusaka as thousands of people trooped to the Supreme Court for the inauguration ceremony, only to find it packed beyond capacity.
Many people watched the proceedings from outside the court premises, while others opted to go back home to get a better glimpse of President Sata as the ceremony was broadcast live on television.
People braved the heat when word went round that the swearing-in ceremony, which was due to start at 10:30 hours, had been moved to 14:00 hours.
Police struggled to move the crowds in order to create a security cordon for the President and other dignitaries.
Reinforcement from police on horses could not help matters as the court premises were filled to the brim.
Journalists struggled to find space to do their work. Court workers and many other people watched the proceedings from windows of their offices.
Others still watched the proceedings from the roof-top of the court buildings.