WORLD> Africa
South African President Mbeki resigns
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-09-22 14:21

JOHANNESBURG -- South African President Thabo Mbeki tendered  his resignation on Sunday. 

A girl watches as deposed South African President Thabo Mbeki addresses the nation, on national broadcaster, September 21, 2008. Mbeki told the nation on Sunday that he has tendered his resignation, plunging the country into political uncertainty. [Agencies]

The resignation will be effective from a date to be decided by South Africa's parliament, Mbeki said in a television speech.

The decision came after the top-level National Executive Committee of African National Congress (ANC) decided on Saturday to recall Mbeki before the end of his term next year.

"Today (Sunday) I handed a letter to the honourable Speaker of Parliament Baleka Mbete to tender my resignation as President of South Africa," Mbeki said.

Mbeki said he had been loyal, and traced some of the country's social and economic achievements during his tenure. "We must admit that we are still faced with many challenges in this regards."

He singled out the criminal justice system to improve the fight against crime and improve moral regeneration.

An acting president of South Africa is expected to be announced on Monday, ANC treasurer-general Mathews Phosa said on a televised debate on Sunday.

"What we want to do tomorrow is announce the next acting state president," Phosa said on the SABC1 current affairs program Asikhulume. "And he or she will announce the next Cabinet." He said the ANC wants the Cabinet to stay.

Also in his speech, Mbeki denied the accusation that his government had interfered with the National Prosecution Authority. "We have never compromised the right of the National Prosecution Authority to prosecute or not to prosecute," he said."We have always protected the integrity of the judiciary."

Mbeki agreed to stand down on Saturday. According to a statement from the presidency, Mbeki would "step down after all constitutional requirements have been met."

Addressing the media at the Esselen Park conference center in Kempton Park on the East Rand, ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe said Mbeki's reaction to the news was "normal".

"He didn't display shock or any depression. He welcomed the news and agreed that he is going to participate (in the parliamentary process). If I said he was excited I would be exaggerating."

Mantashe said the decision was taken "as an effort to heal and unite the African National Congress."

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