Joyce Banda was sworn in as president of Malawi on Saturday --- making her the first female head of state in southern Africa.<br/> <br />The 61-year-old Banda succeeds Bingu wa Mutharika who suffered a fatal heart attack earlier in the week and under whom she served as vice president.<br/> <br />Her swearing in appeared to ease concerns about a possible power struggle in the country --- a point Banda noted in her address to the national assembly.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Joyce Banda saying:<br/> <br />"It is with a great sense of humility and honor that I accept the great responsibility you have entrusted me with. I would like to thank all Malawians for the respect for the law shown by peaceful transition of the presidency."<br/> <br />Banda also called for a period of mourning for Mutharika.<br/> <br />Deborah Gembara, Reuters.
