Thabo Mbeki resigns as President

South African President, Thabo Mbeki, told the nation on Sunday that he has resigned. His announcement came a day after his party, the African National Congress, demanded that he step down.

Mbeki agreed on Saturday to accept ANC's request that he resign before the end of his term next year.

His resignation will come into effect on a date to be decided by parliament.

Thabo Mbeki, South African President, said, "I would like to take this opportunity to inform the nation that today I have handed the letter to the speaker of National Assembly, the Honorable Baleka Mbethe, to tender my resignation from the high position of President of the Republic of South Africa, effective from the day that will be determined by the National Assembly."

Analysts say the resignation threatens to shatter the very foundations of South Africa's post-apartheid political landscape.

Mbeki's downfall came about after a judge suggested last week that there was high-level political meddling in the graft case of Mbeki rival and ANC leader Jacob Zuma, who is widely perceived to be the front-runner in the next presidential election.

Zuma is not eligible to replace Mbeki now, because he is not a member of Parliament.

However, a number of ministers have already threatened to resign rather than serve under Zuma.

The ANC, meanwhile, is expected to announce on Monday an acting president, who will take over Mbeki's job until elections are held next year.