Jacob Zuma resigns as South Africa’s president

Jacob Zuma has resigned as the president of South Africa with immediate effect, state television announced Wednesday night.  President Jacob Zuma announced his resignation ahead of Thursday’s no-confidence votes. 

“I have therefore come to the decision to resign as president of the republic with immediate effect even though I disagree with the decision of the leadership of my organisation … I have always been a disciplined member of the organisation,” local media quoted Zuma as saying. 

Zuma further noted that he was not afraid to leave office as he did not fear the no-confidence motion. 

“I fear no motion of no confidence or impeachment for they are the lawful mechanisms for the people of this beautiful country to remove their president,” he said. 

Mr. Zuma, 75, has led South Africa since 2009.  His resignation came a day after he was rejected by his parry, the African National Congress, ANC.