South African President Jacob Zuma has resigned, in his words, "with immediate
effect."
He made the announcement in a 30-minute speech on national television late
Wednesday.
The 75-year-old Zuma had been under strong pressure from his ruling African
National Congress, or ANC, to leave office before the end of his term.
Zuma said he would resign although he disagreed with the instructions of the ANC
to leave office immediately. In his speech, he said the party should observe the
constitution in its efforts to remove him.
President of South Africa Jacob Zuma addresses the nation at the Union Buildings
in Pretoria on February 14, 2018. (AFP PHOTO / Phill Magakoe)
President of South Africa Jacob Zuma addresses the nation at the Union Buildings
in Pretoria on February 14, 2018. (AFP PHOTO / Phill Magakoe)
The party was set to hold a "no confidence" vote on Thursday to remove him from
office.
Zuma has faced eight no confidence votes and survived each one.
However, years of corruption accusations had left the South African leader with
fewer and fewer allies.
The ANC also has seen its support drop as the accusations of corruption
continued.
Earlier Wednesday, Zuma gave an interview on South Africa's state broadcaster
SABC. In it, he said party leaders had not given him a clear reason for why he
should resign.
Zuma's earlier position had been that he wanted to remain in office for several
additional months.
After the announcement, the ANC expressed gratitude for Zuma's "loyal service."
The party is calling on its members to support Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Reports say Ramaphosa is expected to be elected in a parliamentary vote and sworn
in soon.
Ramaphosa replaced Zuma as president of the ANC in December.