Mbeki asked to resign?
2008-09-20 11:00
Despite no official word from the ANC, several news reports are indicating that President Thabo Mbeki has been asked to step down.
Die Burger is reporting that there are "strong indications" that the ANC NEC decided in the early hours of Saturday morning that President Thabo Mbeki must be replaced. He is expected to resign.
Beeld is also reporting that an ANC official has confirmed the news to them, and that ANC President Jacob Zuma spoke to Mbeki on Friday.
An official announcement from the ANC is expected later on Saturday. The ANC has said a press conference will be held at 12:30, and that an annoucement will be made to the country at this time.
Deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka earlier on Saturday indicated that should President Mbeki be asked to resign, she would resign as well, paving the way for Speaker of Parliament Baleka Mbete to be sworn in as acting President by Parliament next week.