There is political upheaval in South Africa tonight after President Thabo Mbeki accepted a call for his resignation. The call was made by the National Executive Council of the ruling African National Congress of which Thabo Mbeki is member and until last year the leader.

It came after accusations surfaced that Mbeki had interfered in the recent trial of ANC’s current leader Jacob Zuma, who had been brought to trial on corruption charges.

Zuma served as Mbeki’s deputy until he was forced to resign after allegations of corruption were levelled against him. The allegations forced Mbeki to sack him in 2005 and marked the beginning of the chasm between the two men.

In December last year the ANC elected Zuma as party leader ahead of Thabo Mbeki, making him favourite to become South Africa’s next President but that was dependent on him being cleared of all the corruption charges levelled against him.

Earlier this month a High Court judge dismissed all charges against Zuma and insinuated that they were politically motivated, and accused Mbeki of involvement as part of his battle with Zuma for authority in the ANC

Should Mbeki step down, South Africa’s Parliament will appoint an interim leader until such a time a fresh election can take place with the most likely outcome being Zuma sworn in as South Africa’s next President.