South Africa's embattled President, Jacob Zuma on Wednesday night resigned his position with immediate effect, BBC reports. Former President Zuma during a state broadcast said although he was resigning his position, he disagreed with his party, African National Congress (ANC). According to him;
"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. 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." Recall that he had earlier been rejected by the ANC, on corruption allegations and his connection to the Gupta family in South Africa.
The party also gave Mr. Zuma until Wednesday night to resign or a vote of no confidence motion would be brought against him on Thursday to remove him from office. Mr. Zuma is likely to be succeeded by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has already emerged the new leader of the ANC.
Mr. Zuma had earlier refused to stand down during an interview with SABC even after police raided the homes of his associates, the Gupta family, in Johannesburg, the country’s commercial capital.
The Guptas, who have been named in a series of corruption probes, are said to be associates of Mr. Zuma, who has led South Africa since 2009.
