South Africa's new President Jacob Zuma said Wednesday that fighting poverty was the cornerstone of his government's focus, as the country has fallen into its first recession in 17 years.

"The fight against poverty remains the cornerstone of our government's focus," Zuma told parliament in his first state of the nation address.

"While South Africa has not been affected to the extent that a number of other countries have, its effects are now being clearly seen in our economy. We have entered a recession," he said.

"We must act now to minimise the impact of this downturn on those most vulnerable," he added.