Johannesburg — President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa has relieved the country's deputy president, Jacob Zuma, of his post.
Mbeki announced this to a joint sitting of South Africa's parliament in Cape Town today. His move came in the wake of the conviction of Zuma's financial advisor, Schabir Shaik, on charges of corruption and fraud last week.
Mbeki said he took into account the basic pillars of South African jurisprudence, including the presumption that someone was innocent until proven guilty. Zuma - who was not charged in the trial of Shaik - "has yet to have his day in court." Mbeki also noted that Shaik was taking his case on appeal and that it was possible the judgement might be overturned.
"However, as President of the Republic I have come to the conclusion that the circumstances dictate that in the interest of the Honourable Deputy President, the Government, our young democratic system, and our country, it would be best to release the Hon Jacob Zuma from his responsibilities as Deputy President of the Republic and Member of the Cabinet."
Mbeki's announcement brought to an end a week of intense speculation and debate in South African public life and within the ranks of the tripartite alliance of the ruling African National Congress, the Congress of South African Trade Unions and the South African Communist Party.
