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Resignations rock SA government | Resignations rock SA government |
(about 1 hour 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 African National Congress government. | |
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 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. | 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. | 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. |
KEY MINISTERS TO RESIGN Trevor Manuel, financePhumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, deputy presidentJabu Moleketi, deputy financeSydney Mufamadi, local governmentMosiuoa Lekota, defenceRonnie Kasrils, intelligenceEssop Pahad, minister in the presidency 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. |
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 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. |
Meanwhile, 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. | He said the "vexatious, scandalous and prejudicial" judgement had already cost him his job and damaged his reputation. |