Deputy President David Mabuza has resigned.

Mabuza made the announcement on the sidelines of a funeral in Mpumalanga. He added that it was the only logical step to take to make space for Paul Mashatile.

At the ANC’s December Elective Conference last year, Mashatile succeeded Mabuza for the position of deputy president of the ruling party. Speculation of Mabuza’s resignation has been coming on for months. Earlier this week, Mashatile was confirmed as an ANC MP.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has requested that David Mabuza remain in his position as deputy president until his transition has been finalized.