(CNN) Cyril Ramaphosa was confirmed Thursday as South Africa's new President hours after scandal-plagued leader Jacob Zuma resigned.

Ramaphosa, 65, the leader of the ruling African National Congress party since December, was the only candidate nominated during a session of the South African Parliament.

Some lawmakers in the National Assembly in Cape Town greeted the announcement on Ramaphosa, though members of the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters party walked out of the chamber in protest during the debate.

"I truly feel humbled to have been given this great privilege of being able to serve our people," Ramaphosa said in an address to Parliament moments after he became President.

He pledged to act as a "servant of our people" and said he intended to lead with "humility, faithfulness and dignity."

Read More