South African President Zuma vows 500,000 new jobs

The global economic crisis has taken a toll on the economy, which is officially in recession for the first time in the post-apartheid era after a 6.4 percent contraction in the first quarter.

"We must act now to minimise the impact of this downturn on those most vulnerable," Mr. Zuma said.

"Government will ensure that the planned 787 billion rand (98 billion dollar) infrastructure expenditure as provided for in the budget earlier this year is properly planned for and executed," he added.

Mr. Zuma set his 10 priorities at fighting poverty included economic growth, rural development, health and education, poverty alleviation and making it easier to do business in South Africa, including assistance for small and medium enterprises, focusing on black economic empowerment in the state's procurement strategies.

Mr Zuma also announced an annual national holiday, Mandela Day, on 18 July, prompting cheers from the audience and a wave from the watching anti-apartheid icon himself.

He promised to deliver "the best World Cup ever" when South Africa hosts the football tournament in June 2010 and to provide anti-retroviral HIV drugs for 80% of those in need by 2011, as part of efforts to halve the rate of new HIV infections within that period.

In addition, Mr. Zuma vowed to cut violent crime by between 7%-10% a year.