Sata was inaugurated as President on Friday following a ten-man presidential race in the southern Africa country. According to the Electoral Commission of Zambia Sata amassed a total of 1 150 045 votes, representing 43% compared with incumbent Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) President Rupiah Bwezani Banda, who polled 961 796 votes, representing 36.1%.

The MMD has been the ruling party Zambia for the last 20 years, and this is Sata's fourth presidential election.

South Africa further reiterated its commitment to continue working with the Zambian government and people for the mutual benefit of both nations.

"The South African Government also wishes to extend its appreciation and respect to all the candidates who participated in the elections, as well as to the sterling work carried out by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and all the institutions which have contributed to success of the democratic elections in Zambia."

South Africa had also taken note that according to election observers, the poll met the criteria for being free, transparent and credible saying this bode well for the consolidation of democratic culture on the continent.