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Jacob Zuma Resigns As South Africa’s President

  South African President Jacob Zuma announced his immediate resignation on Wednesday after the ruling ANC party threatened to eject him from office via a … Continue reading Jacob Zuma Resigns As South Africa’s President


In this file photograph taken on April 21, 2009, South Africa’s ruling party leader Jacob Zuma waves at a press conference in Johannesburg, one day ahead of general elections. South African President Jacob Zuma addressed the nation on February 14, 2018, saying that he resigns ‘with immediate effect’. PHOTO: ALEXANDER JOE / AFP
In this file photograph taken on April 21, 2009, South Africa’s ruling party leader Jacob Zuma waves at a press conference in Johannesburg, one day ahead of general elections. South African President Jacob Zuma addressed the nation on February 14, 2018, saying that he resigns ‘with immediate effect’. PHOTO: ALEXANDER JOE / AFP

 

South African President Jacob Zuma announced his immediate resignation on Wednesday after the ruling ANC party threatened to eject him from office via a parliamentary vote of no confidence.

Scandal-tainted Zuma said in a 30-minute national television address that he had “come to the decision to resign as president of the republic with immediate effect”.

“I have served the people of South Africa to the best of my ability. I am forever grateful that they trusted me with the highest office in the land,” he said.

Zuma, whose reputation has been stained by years-long allegations of graft, had been instructed to step down by the African National Congress (ANC) party.

He complained about the process, saying: “I don’t fear exiting political office however I have only asked my party to articulate my transgressions and the reason for its instructions that I vacate office.”

Zuma has been at loggerheads with deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, his expected successor as president and the new head of the ANC.

Parliament could elect Ramaphosa as president as early as Thursday or Friday.

Zuma in the TV address earlier spoke out against an order from his own party to resign.

Zuma, whose reputation has been stained by years-long allegations of graft, was due to make his address from the Union Buildings in Pretoria, the seat of the presidency.

 

In this file photo taken on May 9, 2009, South Africa’s fourth President Jacob Zuma (L) accompanied by his senior wife, Sizakele Khumalo (R) arrive at his investiture ceremony in Pretoria. South African President Jacob Zuma addressed the nation on February 14, 2018, saying that he resigns ‘with immediate effect’.
PHOTO: PABALLO THEKISO / AFP