South African President Jacob Zuma said on Wednesday that actions must be taken to minimize the impact of the economic downturn on those most vulnerable.

"We must act now to minimize the impact of this downturn on those most vulnerable," Zuma said in Cape Town in his first state of the union speech to Parliament.

But the president cautioned that South Africa would have to act prudently and every cent must be spent wisely and fruitfully.

The president also said the fight against poverty is one of the priorities of his government.

"The fight against poverty remains the cornerstone of our government's focus," said Zuma.

Zuma was sworn in on May 9 as the new president of South Africa. At the swearing in ceremony, Zuma said " I will devote myself to the well-being of the Republic and all of its people."

The president also pledged days ago that the new government is "going to work hard" after 800,000 more people voted for the ruling African National Congress (ANC) than in 2004.

Source: Xinhua