S. African President Zuma declares resignation

South African President Jacob Zuma addresses the nation and press at the government's Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa, Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018. South Africa's President Jacob Zuma says he will resign “with immediate effect”. [Photo: AP/Themba Hadebe]

South African President Jacob Zuma has addressed the nation, saying he will resign as President "with immediate effect."

"I have therefore come to the decision to resign as president of the republic with immediate effect. Even though I disagree with the decision of the leadership of my organization, I have always been a disciplined member of the ANC (African National Congress). As I leave I will continue to serve the people of South Africa as well as the ANC - the organization I have served all of my life in it," said Zuma.

Earlier, in a television interview, he disagreed with the ruling party decision for him to resign.

He said the effort by the African National Congress to remove him was "unfair."

Zuma said he is being victimized by the ANC.

While expressing his disagreement with the party about his resignation, Zuma said he is not defying the decision by the leadership of the ruling party.

Before the sudden resignation, the speaker of the South Africa Parliament had confirmed that Parliament would discuss a vote of no confidence against President Jacob Zuma later today.