S. Africa President fires scandal-hit deputy

South African President Thabo Mbeki sacked his graft-tainted deputy Jacob Zuma yesterday in a step seen boosting Africa's declared drive against corruption.

The move came amid rising tensions within the ruling African National Congress (ANC), removing a widely popular politician whom many had expected to succeed Mr Mbeki in 2009.

"I've come to the conclusion that... it will be best to release honourable Jacob Zuma from his responsibilities as deputy president of the republic and member of the Cabinet," Mr Mbeki told a special joint session of Parliament.

Mr Mbeki had been accused of foot-dragging on Mr Zuma after the deputy President's former financial adviser Schabir Shaik was convicted of corruption and fraud this month.

The judge's ruling implicated Mr Zuma and said the pair's relationship was "generally corrupt", sparking calls for Mr Zuma to resign.

Mr Zuma, popular with the ANC rank and file as well as its trade union and Communist allies, had refused to step down. He insisted he had committed no crime and had not been tried in a court of law.

But Mr Mbeki called time on the stand-off yesterday in a move analysts across the continent said showed he was ready to deal firmly with corruption, a vexing subject for international donors, lenders and companies looking to invest in Africa.

"It's a defining moment for South African democracy, and it reaffirms South Africa as Africa's last great hope. He showed great leadership," said John Stremlau, head of international relations at Johannesburg's University of the Witwatersrand.

Mr Stremlau said the move would boost Mr Mbeki's standing when he meets leaders of the most industrialised countries at next month's G8 summit at Gleneagles in Scotland.

"He (Mbeki) is showing the international community that he walks the talk," said Sipho Seepe, political analyst and director of studies at Henley Management College.

Mr Zuma himself was not in Parliament. He told journalists later he accepted the decision but added: "I have been tried by the media and in effect found guilty by a court in absentia".

Former president Nelson Mandela said he was "deeply saddened" for Mr Zuma but agreed with Mr Mbeki's decision.

"We fully support the president in these difficult times, in the life of our organisation, nation and government," he said.