According to a dispatch to that effect, this step follows his request to President Cyril Ramaphosa to resign as a deputy president, which President Ramaphosa had announced in his response in the State of the Nation address in February.

On behalf of the South African Government and people, President Ramaphosa expressed his thanks and appreciation to Deputy President Mabuza for his exceptional service to the country over the past five years, the text noted,and added that traditional leaders, military veterans, civil society formations, and international bodies, among others, have valued Mabuza’s contribution.

The head of State is expected to announce the appointment of a new deputy president in a few days. Media reports predict that Ramaphosa’s choice for that position will fall on Paul Mashatile, elected deputy president of the ANC, in late December 2022.

jrr/iff/oda/mv

oda/mv