South Africa's ANC sacks President Zuma

South Africa's ruling African National Congress confirmed on Tuesday it had decided to sack President Jacob Zuma, but said leading members had not been able to agree on when he should go.

The ANC's secretary general, Ace Magashule, said the decision to recall Zuma - party-speak for 'remove from office' - was taken after "exhaustive discussions".

The rand turned weaker after the ANC said it had not given Zuma a deadline to resign, softening 0.2 percent to a session low of 11.9450 at 1218 GMT from 11.8800 before Magashule's press briefing.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the African National Congress (ANC) decided as follows:

To recall its deployee, Comrade Jacob Zuma, in accordance with Rule 12.2.21.2 of the ANC Constitution, which accords the NEC the authority to "recall any public representative".
There should be continuing interaction between the officials of the ANC and the President of the Republic.

The decision by the NEC to recall its deployee was taken only after exhaustive discussion on the impact such a recall would have on the country, the ANC and the functioning of government.


The decision of the NEC provides certainty to the people of South Africa at a time when the economic and social challenges facing the country require urgent and resolute response by all sections of society.

It is critical that South Africans are united around the task of growth, job creation and economic transformation.
This decision will be communicated publicly and through appropriate forums to all structures of the ANC, Alliance Structures and all the Mass Democratic Formations.

All necessary parliamentary processes that arise from this decision will now ensue.


Reuters contributed to this report