Zuma bows, resigns
Zuma bows to pressure, resigns
Jacob Zuma has resigned as the president of South Africa, bowing to serious pressure from the ruling party and notable figures of that country. Allegations against Zuma were based on corruption. But even as he resigned, he never believed he did anything wrong.
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In a televised statement he said he was quitting with immediate effect but said he disagreed with his ANC party’s decision.
Zuma decision to resign is better for him and his cabinet rather than facing a vote of confidence at the parliament today. If Zuma had faced the confidence vote and lost, perhaps, he would lose a number of his entitlements including the dissolution of his cabinet. Resignation was a better landing.
The 75-year-old has been facing calls to give way to Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, the ANC’s new leader.
Mr Zuma, who has been in power since 2009, faces numerous allegations of corruption.
Earlier on Wednesday, police swooped on the Johannesburg home of the powerful and wealthy Gupta family with whom Mr Zuma has close ties.
He began his speech by laughing and joking with members of the press, asking them why they looked so serious.
After paying tribute to those whom he had worked with over the years, Mr Zuma said that violence and division within the ANC had influenced his decision to step down.
“No life should be lost in my name and also the ANC should never be divided in my name. I have therefore come to the decision to resign as president of the republic with immediate effect,” he said.
“Even though I disagree with the decision of the leadership of my organisation, I have always been a disciplined member of the ANC.
“As I leave I will continue to serve the people of South Africa as well as the ANC, the organisation I have served… all of my life.”
Jacob Zuma’s life in seven key dates as put together by BBC
April 1942: Born into poverty in northern KwaZulu-Natal, he is raised by his widowed mother and receives no formal schooling
1959: Joins the ANC. He becomes an active member of its military wing in 1962
August 1963: Aged 21, he is convicted of conspiring to overthrow the apartheid government and imprisoned on Robben Island, alongside Nelson Mandela, for 10 years
March 1990: After a period in exile, he returns to South Africa when a ban on the ANC is lifted – he is elected to chair the party four years later
June 1999: Five years after apartheid ends, he becomes deputy president of South Africa – he loses the position in 2005 after being implicated in a fraud trial
April 2009: Two weeks after corruption charges are dropped, Mr Zuma becomes president of South Africa
October 2017: The Supreme Court of Appeal rules he must face 18 counts of corruption, fraud, racketeering and money laundering.
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