South African President Jacob Zuma announced he would resign from office on February 14, 2018. Photo: Reuters
Johannesburg (People’s Daily) - South African President Jacob Zuma has resigned, according to local media.
Zuma announced his resignation Wednesday night during a 30-minute telelvised address from the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa.
"I have therefore come to the decision to resign as president of the republic with immediate effect. While I disagree with the leadership, I have always been a loyal cadre," said Zuma.
"Even though I disagree with the decision of the leadership of my organization, I have always been a disciplined member of the ANC," he said.
Zuma's statement comes after the ANC gave him an ultimatum to resign or be recalled in a letter delivered by the party's Secretary General Ace Magashule on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, the ruling party ANC announced that their MPs would vote with opposition parties in support of a motion of no confidence against Zuma and that the Speaker of Parliament had agreed to move the motion, which was originally scheduled to be debated next week, to Thursday.
ANC gave Zuma until midnight on Wednesday to respond to the recall letter. Otherwise, the debate on the motion of no confidence will commence on Thursday afternoon.
"I don't fear a no confidence vote or impeachment, President Jacob Zuma said. "I'm not clinging to power, I just  wanted to the respect for the rule of law and my rights," he said.