The ruling African National Congress should not be "divided in my name," Zuma said Wednesday. "I have therefore come to the decision to resign as the president of the republic with immediate effect."
The African National Congress has been negotiating with the scandal-plagued Zuma to step down for the good of the party, but he insists on serving out his full term, which expires next year.
Zuma has been mired in corruption allegations. Some in his African National Congress fear if he stays on until elections next year, he could damage the party's chances of retaining power.