Jacob Zuma steps down as President of South Africa following party pressure

Jacob Zuma has quit as President of South Africa, finally succumbing to a slew of corruption scandals that have drained support from his ruling African National Congress party. In a

Jacob Zuma has quit as President of South Africa, finally succumbing to a slew of corruption scandals that have drained support from his ruling African National Congress party.

In a televised statement he said he was quitting with immediate effect but said he disagreed with his ANC party’s decision and violence and division within the party had influenced his decision to step down.

The announcement came after the ANC took the step of calling for a no-confidence vote in the leader on Wednesday, a day after it publicly demanded his resignation.

Party officials on Tuesday decided to issue a “recall” notice after failing privately to convince Zuma that he should step aside.

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 Zuma has close ties.

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