Jacob Zuma has heeded orders by his party and resigned as president of South Africa. This brings to an end his nine years in power.

JACOB ZUMA FORMER SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT "It is now public knowledge that the National Executive Committee of the ANC resolved to recall me as the president of the republic. I have also learned that before I respond to the initial decision, a new decision has been made by the ANC. The fact is that I have now been compelled to resign by way of a motion of no-confidence set down for tomorrow - 15 February 2018."

"I have therefore come to the decision to resign as president of the republic with immediate effect."

In a 30-minute farewell address to the nation on Wednesday, the 75-year-old said he disagreed with the way the ruling African National Congress had shoved him towards an early exit. ANC's national executive committee ordered Zuma to step down on Tuesday but he initially refused to do so.

On Thursday, the ruling party said it would vote him out. Zuma's resignation came just hours after police raided the luxury home of the Gupta family, Indian-born billionaire allies of the former president who have been at the center of corruption allegations against Zuma and his circle for years.

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, who was elected as head of the ANC in December, is likely to be voted in by parliament as South Africa's new president as early as Thursday.