 South Africa's embattled President Jacob Zuma has resigned. He announced the decision in a televised address to the nation last night after the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party threatened to eject him from office via a parliamentary vote of no confidence today.
The 75-year-old, who was the country's President for the last 9 years, has been under increasing pressure to give way to Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, ANC's new leader. Mr Zuma's resignation followed weeks of intense public pressure to step down amid long-standing corruption allegations.
Mr Zuma's resignation followed weeks of intense public pressure to step down amid long-standing corruption allegations. The 75-year-old, who was the country's President for the last 9 years, has been under increasing pressure to give way to Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, ANC's new leader.
ANC issued a statement saying that the resignation provided certainty to the people of South Africa. Mr Zuma, a former member of the ANC's military wing in the days of apartheid, rose through the ranks of the party to become the President.
He led the country for more than a third of its time after apartheid. But, now he leaves office with his name in several scandals. The country's Parliament could elect Mr Ramaphosa as the President as early as today or tomorrow.
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