afrol News, 20 September - Ruling South African National Congress (ANC) has made a decision today to sack its president, Thabo Mbeki, making a diplomatic statement in Kempton Park to recall him.

However, decision cannot as yet take effect, even though Mr Mbeki's aide has confirmed that he has accepted recall. "President has accepted to step down, once all constitutional requirements have been met," president's spokesman was quoted in South African media today.

Mbeki's sacking by ANC's national executive committee, follows last weeks high court decision to dismiss charges against incumbent president Jacob Zuma, on grounds that charges were politically motivated. High court judge cracked whip at Mr Mbeki for his alleged interest and probably, an intent, to influence for instituting of charges.

Mr Zuma was facing charges of corruption relating to post apartheid multi-billion arms deal, in which huges sums of monies were allegedly paid in bribes.

Ruling party's decision has been received with mixed feelings in South Africa, with some moderate democrats calling it an untimely move, while ANC hardliners feel it is a 'harsh lesson', but that would at least bring healing to the divided party membership.

"I think today's decision has set it all. I will not vote again next year," said one man voicing his views on SA FM.

Others were sympathetic to Mr Mbeki, but said the decision was long overdue, with rift in ruling party widening. "Mbeki's time is over, we need to focus on tomorrow," said another.

Mr Mbeki's slap on the face comes just a few months before elections, expected before July next year, and reports are already pointing out that some members of South African cabinet, including deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, have said they would also step down in solidarity if president Mbeki is asked to quit office.

This is the first major decision by ruling ANC in South Africa, which could bear heavily on the constitution, even though party leadership has said an early call for election would not be a solution.

As pointed out by some other political analysts, could South Africa be heading head-fast to a constitutional crisis, or is another and new Zimbabwe in the brewing?

By staff writer

© afrol News

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