South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma has with immediate effect resigned his office after ANC party told him to resign or face a vote of no confidence in parliament on Thursday.
The 75-year-old Zuma who has been under increasing pressure to give way to Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, the ANC’s new leader, made the announcement in a televised address to the nation on Wednesday evening.
“No life should be lost in my name and also the ANC should never be divided in my name. I have therefore come to the decision to resign as president of the republic with immediate effect,” he said.
“Even though I disagree with the decision of the leadership of my organisation, I have always been a disciplined member of the ANC.
“As I leave I will continue to serve the people of South Africa as well as the ANC, the organisation I have served… all of my life.”
Zuma in his speech went further to say, “I have served the people of South Africa to the best of my ability.”
Jacob Zuma who has been in power since 2009, faces numerous allegations of corruption and scandals hanging over him.
