JOHANNESBURG - South African National Assembly Speaker, Baleka Mbete handed over President Thabo Mbeki’s letter of resignation to Chief Justice Pius Langa yesterday.
Mbeki on Sunday night, in a televised state broadcast, announced his resignation as President.
“I would like to inform the nation that I have handed a letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly to tender my resignation from the high position of president of the Republic of South Africa,” he said.
The ruling African National Congress (ANC) party had on Saturday called on Mbeki to step down as president following a high court ruling which said the presidency had influenced investigation in a case of alleged corruption charge against Jacob Zuma, then his deputy.
Mbete’s meeting with the Chief Justice yesterday will set in motion a selection process of a caretaker president as provided in section 90 of the country’s constitution.
The order of hierarchy set out in the provision gives the responsibility to his Deputy President, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka as the first candidate for acting president.
If she declines the position, in solidarity with Mbeki, the constitution requires that cabinet ministers must appoint one from among them. ANC Deputy President, Kgalema Motlanthe will be the obvious choice being the most senior party leader in the cabinet.
But the Speaker may become the next possible choice should Motlanthe also decline the position.
After yesterday’s presentation of letter, Langa will then decide on the time and date for an election in the National Assembly.
Section 86 (3) of the South African constitution said the process can be concluded immediately, but not more than 30 days after the vacancy.
Mbeki had in his broadcast, said his resignation would be effective “from the date that will be determined by the National Assembly”.
The president stressed that he was innocent of the decision by the National Prosecuting Agency’s to prosecute Zuma. “I have been a loyal member of the ANC for 52 years. I remain a member of the ANC and therefore respect its decision,” Mbeki added.
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