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South African ministers step down Resignations rock SA government
(20 minutes later)
South African Finance Minister Trevor Manuel and nine other cabinet members are resigning along with President Thabo Mbeki.South African Finance Minister Trevor Manuel and nine other cabinet members are resigning along with President Thabo Mbeki.
The BBC's Peter Biles says the resignations are a major blow to the ANC government - especially the loss of the respected Mr Manuel. The BBC's Peter Biles says the resignations are a major blow to the ANC government.
The ANC is divided between supporters of Mr Mbeki and ANC leader Jacob Zuma. Mr Manuel is however ready to serve the new president, his spokesman says. The ANC is divided between supporters of Mr Mbeki and ANC leader Jacob Zuma.
Mr Zuma's supporters had said they wanted the cabinet to stay in place to ensure a smooth transition. Mr Zuma's supporters had said they wanted the cabinet to stay in place.
On Monday, Mr Zuma had sought to reassure the business community and said there would be no change of economic policy.
Mr Mbeki is to leave office on Thursday after accusations that he interfered in the prosecution of Mr Zuma on corruption charges.Mr Mbeki is to leave office on Thursday after accusations that he interfered in the prosecution of Mr Zuma on corruption charges.
KGALEMA MOTLANTHE 1949: Born 1967: Detained for 11 months 1977: Sentenced to 10 years on Robben Island 1987: Joined National Union of Mineworkers, rising to become its secretary general 1997: Elected ANC secretary general 2007: Elected ANC's deputy president 2008: Becomes an MP and minister without portfolio Motlanthe: Safe handsSA's Mbeki resigns: Your viewsSend us your comments
As ANC leader, Mr Zuma is favourite to become South Africa's next president.As ANC leader, Mr Zuma is favourite to become South Africa's next president.
Mr Manuel is seen as instrumental in South Africa's recent economic stability. A statement from the presidency said the resignations of 10 ministers, three deputy ministers and Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka would also be effective on Thursday.
A close ally of Mr Zuma - ANC deputy leader Kgalema Motlanthe - is to replace Mr Mbeki as president until next year's elections, the ANC has confirmed.
Mr Manuel's spokesman said he would be ready to serve the new administration, if asked.
He is seen as instrumental in South Africa's recent economic stability.
Our correspondent says his departure could trigger political and financial uncertainty in South Africa.Our correspondent says his departure could trigger political and financial uncertainty in South Africa.
Mr Mbeki on Saturday accepted a decision by the ANC to recall him as president.Mr Mbeki on Saturday accepted a decision by the ANC to recall him as president.
Correspondents say the ANC's hopes of managing a stable transition have now been thrown out of the window.Correspondents say the ANC's hopes of managing a stable transition have now been thrown out of the window.
A close ally of Mr Zuma - ANC deputy leader Kgalema Motlanthe - is to replace Mr Mbeki as president until next year's elections, the ANC says. Mr Mbeki has lodged a legal appeal to clear his name after a judge said there was evidence that he may have interfered in the prosecution of Mr Zuma.
He said the "vexatious, scandalous and prejudicial" judgement had already cost him his job and damaged his reputation.