Zuma finally announces resignation, with immediate effect

South Africa President said he would leave office, after ANC agreed to support opposition motions for a no confidence vote on Thursday

South Africa's President Jacob Zuma gestures after announcing his resignation at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa, February 14, 2018.     REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko
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South Africa President Jacob Zuma said in a late-night address on state television that he will resign with immediate effect.

In an occasionally emotional address, Mr Zuma said he would leave office, after his party had agreed to support opposition motions to vote on a no confidence vote on Thursday.

Mr Zuma has fought a rearguard action against the African National Congress (ANC) that decided in December to elect businessman Cyril Ramaphosa as the next leader of the party, and the country.

“I do not fear exiting political office. I have only asked my party to articulate my transactions,” Mr Zuma said.

“As I leave I will continue to serve the people of South Africa, as well as the ANC, the organisation I have served,” he said.

Alluding to scuffles outside the party’s headquarters last week, Mr Zuma said he feared disagreement between ANC members would escalate.

“No life should be lost in my name, and also the ANC should never be lost in my name and therefore I resign with immediate effect.”

As he left the room, he bade the media that had dogged him for years: “We’ll meet, somewhere.”