South African president Jacob Zuma has been refusing to step down as head of state amidst pressure. But this morning, several South African news outlets report that the president has agreed to step down.
According to TimesLIVE, Zuma will resign as soon as a list of preconditions has been finalized. This is part of a deal struck on Tuesday with ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosa.
SONA 2018 has been postponed. Jacob Zuma is currently parking his bags, he will be leaving anytime soon. #SONA2018#SONA#SonaPostmonementpic.twitter.com/QE2rCd58Ko
— Man's Not Barry Roux (@AdvBarryRoux) February 6, 2018
The meeting between Zuma and Ramaphosa took place after the postponement of the state of the nation address, which was due for Thursday.
As a result of this deal, an ANC national executive committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for the following day to force his removal from office was cancelled.
The ANC then released a statement saying it had held "fruitful and constructive discussions" with Zuma.
As #ZumaExit happens, 🇿🇦 should reflect on a wasted decade and we should never forget every single person who made Zuma possible, including journalists.
— Palesa Morudu (@palesa_morudu) February 7, 2018
#Zexit. With possibly imminent departure of JZ NB that the public resists any idea of pardon for his crimes. He is a parasite, stealing from poor to enrich himself. He has also been violent and cruel, notably in his relationships with women. #Fullmightoflaw#Orangeoveralls
— Raymond Suttner (@RaymondSuttner) February 6, 2018
Lessons from #JacobZuma's reluctance to leave office. #ANC#SONA2018
https://t.co/ePBCzErDdQpic.twitter.com/tEELCILhWM
— The Conversation Africa (@TC_Africa) February 7, 2018