A quarter of a century after the end of the apartheid in South Africa, large swathes of population still aren't free given abject poverty and high unemployment and the scourge of corruption affecting the country, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Saturday.

Speaking at a ceremony in Makhanda, formerly Grahamstown, in the south of the country, Ramaphosa said that South Africans were "gathered here to celebrate the day we won our freedom."

The first democratic elections were held in South Africa on April 27, 1994, with blacks -- who make up three-quarters of the population -- voting for the first time, bringing to an end three centuries of white rule and the apartheid regime in place since 1948.&nbsp;

"We remember the moment we placed a cross on a ballot paper for the first time in our lives," the president said, paying homage to Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid campaigner who was elected South Africa's first black president in 1994.

Nevertheless, "we cannot be a nation of free people when so many still live in poverty," Ramaphosa said.

"We cannot be a nation of free people when so many live without enough food, without proper shelter, without access to quality health care, without a means to earn a living," he continued.

"We cannot be a nation of free people when funds meant for the poor are wasted, lost or stolen (...) when there is still corruption within our own country."

Ramaphosa is head of the African National Congress (ANC), the party that has been in power since the end of apartheid.

He took over as president in 2018 from Jacob Zuma, who was forced to resign as a result of a number of corruption scandals.

"As we celebrate 25 years of democracy, we need to focus all our attention and efforts on ensuring that all South Africans can equally experience the economic and social benefits of freedom," Ramaphosa said.&nbsp;

Despite the emergence of a middle class in South Africa, the continent's economic powerhouse, 20 per cent of black households still live in dire poverty, compared with only 2.9 per cent of white households, according to the Institute of Race Relations.&nbsp;

The unemployment rate in South Africa currently stands at 27 per cent, compared with 20 per cent in 1994.&nbsp;

A quarter of a century after the end of the apartheid in South Africa, large swathes of population still aren't free given abject poverty and high unemployment and the scourge of corruption affecting the country, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Saturday.

A quarter of a century after the end of the apartheid in South Africa, large swathes of population still aren't free given abject poverty and high unemployment and the scourge of corruption affecting the country, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Saturday. Speaking at a ceremony in Makhanda, formerly Grahamstown, in the south of the country, Ramaphosa said that South Africans were "gathered here to celebrate the day we won our freedom." The first democratic elections were held in South Africa on April 27, 1994, with blacks -- who make up three-quarters of the population -- voting for the first time, bringing to an end three centuries of white rule and the apartheid regime in place since 1948. "We remember the moment we placed a cross on a ballot paper for the first time in our lives," the president said, paying homage to Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid campaigner who was elected South Africa's first black president in 1994. Nevertheless, "we cannot be a nation of free people when so many still live in poverty," Ramaphosa said. "We cannot be a nation of free people when so many live without enough food, without proper shelter, without access to quality health care, without a means to earn a living," he continued. "We cannot be a nation of free people when funds meant for the poor are wasted, lost or stolen (...) when there is still corruption within our own country." Ramaphosa is head of the African National Congress (ANC), the party that has been in power since the end of apartheid. He took over as president in 2018 from Jacob Zuma, who was forced to resign as a result of a number of corruption scandals. "As we celebrate 25 years of democracy, we need to focus all our attention and efforts on ensuring that all South Africans can equally experience the economic and social benefits of freedom," Ramaphosa said. Despite the emergence of a middle class in South Africa, the continent's economic powerhouse, 20 per cent of black households still live in dire poverty, compared with only 2.9 per cent of white households, according to the Institute of Race Relations. The unemployment rate in South Africa currently stands at 27 per cent, compared with 20 per cent in 1994.

25 years after apartheid, South Africans still not free: President

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-floods-mudslides-kill-33-children-missing-213074">death toll from floods and mudslides in South Africa</a> has risen to 51, a local official said on Wednesday. President Cyril Ramaphosa flew into the deluged eastern region of the country.

"Unfortunately the numbers have risen to 51. In previous years we have tried to remove people from low-lying areas," a regional minister, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, told SA FM radio.

Heavy rains have lashed South Africa in recent days, with the southern and eastern parts of the country badly hit since the start of Easter weekend.

Ramaphosa said that during times like these we should work together to reach out to affected communities.

"Our hearts go out particularly to families and communities who have been directly affected by death, injury and the loss of property," Ramaphosa said in a statement.

"This situation calls on all of us to pull together as a country to reach out to affected communities," Ramaphose added.

Rescuers continue to comb debris for those who might be trapped underneath landslides. South African military personnel have been dispatched to help rescue and evacuation efforts.

The death toll from floods and mudslides in South Africa has risen to 51, a local official said on Wednesday. President Cyril Ramaphosa flew into the deluged eastern region of the country.

The death toll from floods and mudslides in South Africa has risen to 51, a local official said on Wednesday. President Cyril Ramaphosa flew into the deluged eastern region of the country. "Unfortunately the numbers have risen to 51. In previous years we have tried to remove people from low-lying areas," a regional minister, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, told SA FM radio. Heavy rains have lashed South Africa in recent days, with the southern and eastern parts of the country badly hit since the start of Easter weekend. Ramaphosa said that during times like these we should work together to reach out to affected communities. "Our hearts go out particularly to families and communities who have been directly affected by death, injury and the loss of property," Ramaphosa said in a statement. "This situation calls on all of us to pull together as a country to reach out to affected communities," Ramaphose added. Rescuers continue to comb debris for those who might be trapped underneath landslides. South African military personnel have been dispatched to help rescue and evacuation efforts.

South Africa president heads to floods hotspot as death toll rises to 51

Former South African president Jacob Zuma used the country's intelligence services for his own political and personal interests, most notably against his successor, Cyril Ramaphosa, a government report charges.

Published Saturday on Ramaphosa's initiative, the report of about 100 pages details "serious breaches of the Constitution, policy, law, regulations and directives" by Zuma during his nearly nine years in office.

The State Security Agency (SSA) targeted Ramaphosa in the run-up to his becoming head of the ruling African National Congress in 2017, and then president, it said. Zuma stepped down in early 2018 amid charges of massive corruption.

The agency was "able to infiltrate and penetrate the leadership structure" of the movement against Zuma, said the report, drawn up by a team under former minister Sydney Mufamadi said.

The SSA became a "cash cow" for many, both inside and outside the agency, it added.

Ramaphosa has promised to root out corruption and, in a strong statement on the report, condemned the way the intelligence services had been politicised.

"A key finding of the panel is that there has been political malpurposing and factionalisation of the intelligence community over the past decade or more that has resulted in an almost complete disregard for the Constitution, policy, legislation and other prescripts," the president said.

A review should consider splitting the SSA in two to create a domestic and a foreign service, he added. 
&nbsp;

Former South African president Jacob Zuma used the country's intelligence services for his own political and personal interests, most notably against his successor, Cyril Ramaphosa, a government report charges.

Former South African president Jacob Zuma used the country's intelligence services for his own political and personal interests, most notably against his successor, Cyril Ramaphosa, a government report charges. Published Saturday on Ramaphosa's initiative, the report of about 100 pages details "serious breaches of the Constitution, policy, law, regulations and directives" by Zuma during his nearly nine years in office. The State Security Agency (SSA) targeted Ramaphosa in the run-up to his becoming head of the ruling African National Congress in 2017, and then president, it said. Zuma stepped down in early 2018 amid charges of massive corruption. The agency was "able to infiltrate and penetrate the leadership structure" of the movement against Zuma, said the report, drawn up by a team under former minister Sydney Mufamadi said. The SSA became a "cash cow" for many, both inside and outside the agency, it added. Ramaphosa has promised to root out corruption and, in a strong statement on the report, condemned the way the intelligence services had been politicised. "A key finding of the panel is that there has been political malpurposing and factionalisation of the intelligence community over the past decade or more that has resulted in an almost complete disregard for the Constitution, policy, legislation and other prescripts," the president said. A review should consider splitting the SSA in two to create a domestic and a foreign service, he added.

South Africa: Probe reveals Zuma used intel services to target Ramaphosa

South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa was the chief guest at the 70th Republic Day Parade during his first state visit to India on January 25-26 this year.&nbsp;

President Matamela and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive discussions on a wide range of issues of bilateral, regional and global importance.

In the post-Cold War era, the relationship between the two countries has improved significantly with India and South Africa having fostered a strategic partnership through the Red Fort Declaration of 1997 and the Tshwane Declaration of 2006.&nbsp;

The formation of the India-Africa Summit in 2008 has further underscored the desire of the two sides to deepen the engagement to fulfil their interests in an unpredictable regional and global order.&nbsp;

Over the last four years, the Modi government’s efforts have truly elevated the relationship between India and South Africa to a new height.&nbsp;

One highlight of this intense bilateral engagement was the participation of 41 African countries in the third India-Africa Forum Summit, held in Delhi in 2016. During these four years, several ministers of the Union cabinet, including Prime Minister Modi, have visited South Africa.&nbsp;

The recent visit of Ramaphosa was the latest development towards re-energising the ties.

Indeed, it gave a big boost to security and defence cooperation, with the two sides having agreed to enter into a three-year strategic engagement. &nbsp;

This, in turn, will serve the two countries’ interests. India and South Africa are two major regional powers in the Indian Ocean, both are strategically located and feel that cooperation between them is indispensable to maintain peace and security in the region. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It is in this context that the South African National Defence Force will participate in the first Multinational India-Africa Field Training Exercise at Pune in March this year, enabling the two forces to understand each others’ functioning. &nbsp;

The South African defence industry has reaffirmed its desire to work with India in the manufacturing of defence hardware under the Make in India Initiative, which is a significant step towards meeting India’s defence requirements and turning this country into an arms-manufacturing hub.&nbsp;

It is precisely in this light that the Ministry of Defence has lifted the ban on South Africa’s state-owned defence company, Denel SOC Ltd.&nbsp;

To boost ties with South Africa and other African countries, the aim is effectively developing a counter-balance against Beijing, especially when China has focused on expanding its influence in the Indian Ocean and beyond.&nbsp;

Another aspect of India-South Africa relations are their expanding economies, with bilateral trade reaching to rise to $10.65 billion in 2018-19 from $9.38 billion in 2017-18.&nbsp;

In 2016, the two countries set a target of doubling bilateral trade and investment to $20-billion by 2021.Over 150 Indian companies have invested in South Africa, with India having emerged as one of the top five trading partners of South Africa.&nbsp;

While these investments have fuelled developmental initiatives in South Africa, New Delhi sees this continent as a big market for Indian investment, goods, expertise, technology and services.&nbsp;

Conversely, over 29 South African companies have invested in different sectors of the Indian economy, accounting for $790 million.&nbsp;

The formation of the Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment and President Ramaphosa’s assurance to simplify and reform the South African business visa regime, will further strengthen bilateral trade and economic ties.&nbsp;

At a time when China has made huge investments in Africa and is trying to engage this continent in its Belt Road Initiative, India feels that expanding economic ties with South Africa and other African countries, would enable it to contain China’s growing clout. &nbsp;

Energy shortage is an important reason for India to aggressively pursue its foreign policy towards Africa. This continent has huge energy reserves, while India is an energy deficient country, importing 70 per cent of its oil needs.&nbsp;

Thus South Africa, which has a huge uranium reserve, can play an important role in providing sustained supply to help India’s nuclear plants.&nbsp;

Close ties will also enable the two sides to exert combined force for the reform of the Security Council, WTO, thereby making the global institutions reflect the reality of the present international scenario. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-matamela-cyril-ramaphosa-s-r-day-visit-puts-india-on-african-radar-2718831">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

 
&nbsp;

South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa was the chief guest at the 70th Republic Day Parade during his first state visit to India on January 25-26 this year.

South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa was the chief guest at the 70th Republic Day Parade during his first state visit to India on January 25-26 this year. President Matamela and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive discussions on a wide range of issues of bilateral, regional and global importance. In the post-Cold War era, the relationship between the two countries has improved significantly with India and South Africa having fostered a strategic partnership through the Red Fort Declaration of 1997 and the Tshwane Declaration of 2006. The formation of the India-Africa Summit in 2008 has further underscored the desire of the two sides to deepen the engagement to fulfil their interests in an unpredictable regional and global order. Over the last four years, the Modi government’s efforts have truly elevated the relationship between India and South Africa to a new height. One highlight of this intense bilateral engagement was the participation of 41 African countries in the third India-Africa Forum Summit, held in Delhi in 2016. During these four years, several ministers of the Union cabinet, including Prime Minister Modi, have visited South Africa. The recent visit of Ramaphosa was the latest development towards re-energising the ties. Indeed, it gave a big boost to security and defence cooperation, with the two sides having agreed to enter into a three-year strategic engagement. This, in turn, will serve the two countries’ interests. India and South Africa are two major regional powers in the Indian Ocean, both are strategically located and feel that cooperation between them is indispensable to maintain peace and security in the region. It is in this context that the South African National Defence Force will participate in the first Multinational India-Africa Field Training Exercise at Pune in March this year, enabling the two forces to understand each others’ functioning. The South African defence industry has reaffirmed its desire to work with India in the manufacturing of defence hardware under the Make in India Initiative, which is a significant step towards meeting India’s defence requirements and turning this country into an arms-manufacturing hub. It is precisely in this light that the Ministry of Defence has lifted the ban on South Africa’s state-owned defence company, Denel SOC Ltd. To boost ties with South Africa and other African countries, the aim is effectively developing a counter-balance against Beijing, especially when China has focused on expanding its influence in the Indian Ocean and beyond. Another aspect of India-South Africa relations are their expanding economies, with bilateral trade reaching to rise to $10.65 billion in 2018-19 from $9.38 billion in 2017-18. In 2016, the two countries set a target of doubling bilateral trade and investment to $20-billion by 2021.Over 150 Indian companies have invested in South Africa, with India having emerged as one of the top five trading partners of South Africa. While these investments have fuelled developmental initiatives in South Africa, New Delhi sees this continent as a big market for Indian investment, goods, expertise, technology and services. Conversely, over 29 South African companies have invested in different sectors of the Indian economy, accounting for $790 million. The formation of the Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment and President Ramaphosa’s assurance to simplify and reform the South African business visa regime, will further strengthen bilateral trade and economic ties. At a time when China has made huge investments in Africa and is trying to engage this continent in its Belt Road Initiative, India feels that expanding economic ties with South Africa and other African countries, would enable it to contain China’s growing clout. Energy shortage is an important reason for India to aggressively pursue its foreign policy towards Africa. This continent has huge energy reserves, while India is an energy deficient country, importing 70 per cent of its oil needs. Thus South Africa, which has a huge uranium reserve, can play an important role in providing sustained supply to help India’s nuclear plants. Close ties will also enable the two sides to exert combined force for the reform of the Security Council, WTO, thereby making the global institutions reflect the reality of the present international scenario. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa’s R-Day visit puts India on African radar

India welcomes South African president Cyril Ramaphosa

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in India on Friday for his two-day visit to the country.

Ramaphosa will be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations to be held in Delhi tomorrow.

He is accompanied by the First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe and a high-level delegation including nine ministers, senior officials of his Government and a 50-member business delegation.&nbsp;

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President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa arrives in Delhi. He will be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade tomorrow. <a href="https://t.co/TnjxJi3mL5">pic.twitter.com/TnjxJi3mL5</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1088660218836336640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi had personally handed over the invite to Ramaphosa when he met him in December 2018 on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina.

This is the second time a South African president will be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations. He was preceded in 1995 by Nelson Mandela.

(With inputs from agencies)

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in India on Friday for his two-day visit to the country. Ramaphosa will be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations to be held in Delhi tomorrow.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in India on Friday for his two-day visit to the country. Ramaphosa will be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations to be held in Delhi tomorrow. He is accompanied by the First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe and a high-level delegation including nine ministers, senior officials of his Government and a 50-member business delegation. President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa arrives in Delhi. He will be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/TnjxJi3mL5 — ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2019 × President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa accorded 'guard of honour' at Rashtrapati Bhavan in #Delhi pic.twitter.com/IgIfSf2dBQ — ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2019 × PM Modi had personally handed over the invite to Ramaphosa when he met him in December 2018 on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina. This is the second time a South African president will be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations. He was preceded in 1995 by Nelson Mandela. (With inputs from agencies)

Republic Day chief guest, South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa arrives in India

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's visit comes when New Delhi is trying to increase its engagement with the continent where China has already made rapid strides. &nbsp;

It's the 11th time when an African leader has been called at India's Republic Day since 1950. In 1971, India invited the then President of Tanzania Julius Nyerere as the chief guest. Nyerere became the first African leader to be at the Republic Day event.&nbsp;

In 2002, India invited an African leader for the Republic Day. In 2002, the then President of Mauritius, Cassam Uteem, was invited by India as the chief guest at the Republic Day event.&nbsp;

Speaking on Africa day on January 18 in Gandhinagar during Vibrant Gujarat event, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said India has a partnership based on equality with the African continent, one that has a strong historical foundation.&nbsp;

"India has always shared a special bond with the people of Africa and supported their liberation from colonialism and from apartheid. We take pride in our model of cooperation with Africa which is demand-driven, consultative, participative, involves local resources, builds capacity and is based on Africa’s own prioritisation of its needs."&nbsp;

In the last 4 years, there have been 29 high-level&nbsp;visits to Africa from India. As many as 35 African leaders visited India in the last 4 years. The 3rd India Africa summit in 2015 was one of the biggest diplomatic engagements under the Modi government. The event saw the participation of 41 heads of state and governments.

New Delhi has already announced to open 18 new embassies and high commissions in Africa. Only last year, India opened its new mission in Rwanda - the current chair for the African Union. When it comes to trade ties, India is the 3rd largest export destination to the continent and 5th largest investor.&nbsp;

Every year on the occasion of the Republic Day, the Indian government leaves no stone unturned to highlight its achievements. India invites countries to showcase the ties it enjoys with them.&nbsp;

Last year, India invited all 10 heads of the ASEAN group for the Republic Day. During the first Republic Day under the Modi government, India invited the then US President Barack Obama, his French counterpart François Hollande. Then in 2017, UAE's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was the chief guest.&nbsp;

The neighbourhood at Republic Day

India has been inviting its neighbouring countries for its Republic Day celebrations. Bhutanese kings have visited New Delhi as the chief guest at Republic Day parade in 1954, 1984, 2005 and 2013. Afghanistan's King Mohammed Zahir Shah was the chief guest in 1967. Nepal's King Tribhuvan was the guest of honour in 1951 while King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev was the guest at the Republic Day parade in 1999. Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was invited for the same in 1991. Sri Lanka was the guest in 1974 and 1988. &nbsp;

Interestingly, Pakistan has been to India's Republic Day twice. In 1955, Governor General Malik Ghulam Muhammad was the guest at the very first Republic Day parade at Rajpath. In 1965, Pakistan's Food and Agriculture Minister Rana Abdul Hamid was the guest at the Republic Day. Both countries went to war later that year. &nbsp;

Even China has been invited to the event. In 1958, Marshall Ye Jianying was the chief guest at Republic Day event. Bangladesh has never been represented on the occasion.&nbsp;

World Powers at Republic day&nbsp;

Russia has been invited only once in 2007 with Russian President Vladimir Putin representing the country. The Soviet Union was invited 3 times - 1957, 1960, 1968. The United Kingdom and France are at a tie with both the countries being invited 5 times.&nbsp;

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's visit comes when New Delhi is trying to increase its engagement with the continent where China has already made rapid strides.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's visit comes when New Delhi is trying to increase its engagement with the continent where China has already made rapid strides. It's the 11th time when an African leader has been called at India's Republic Day since 1950. In 1971, India invited the then President of Tanzania Julius Nyerere as the chief guest. Nyerere became the first African leader to be at the Republic Day event. In 2002, India invited an African leader for the Republic Day. In 2002, the then President of Mauritius, Cassam Uteem, was invited by India as the chief guest at the Republic Day event. Speaking on Africa day on January 18 in Gandhinagar during Vibrant Gujarat event, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said India has a partnership based on equality with the African continent, one that has a strong historical foundation. "India has always shared a special bond with the people of Africa and supported their liberation from colonialism and from apartheid. We take pride in our model of cooperation with Africa which is demand-driven, consultative, participative, involves local resources, builds capacity and is based on Africa’s own prioritisation of its needs." In the last 4 years, there have been 29 high-level visits to Africa from India. As many as 35 African leaders visited India in the last 4 years. The 3rd India Africa summit in 2015 was one of the biggest diplomatic engagements under the Modi government. The event saw the participation of 41 heads of state and governments. New Delhi has already announced to open 18 new embassies and high commissions in Africa. Only last year, India opened its new mission in Rwanda - the current chair for the African Union. When it comes to trade ties, India is the 3rd largest export destination to the continent and 5th largest investor. Every year on the occasion of the Republic Day, the Indian government leaves no stone unturned to highlight its achievements. India invites countries to showcase the ties it enjoys with them. Last year, India invited all 10 heads of the ASEAN group for the Republic Day. During the first Republic Day under the Modi government, India invited the then US President Barack Obama, his French counterpart François Hollande. Then in 2017, UAE's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was the chief guest. The neighbourhood at Republic Day India has been inviting its neighbouring countries for its Republic Day celebrations. Bhutanese kings have visited New Delhi as the chief guest at Republic Day parade in 1954, 1984, 2005 and 2013. Afghanistan's King Mohammed Zahir Shah was the chief guest in 1967. Nepal's King Tribhuvan was the guest of honour in 1951 while King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev was the guest at the Republic Day parade in 1999. Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was invited for the same in 1991. Sri Lanka was the guest in 1974 and 1988. Interestingly, Pakistan has been to India's Republic Day twice. In 1955, Governor General Malik Ghulam Muhammad was the guest at the very first Republic Day parade at Rajpath. In 1965, Pakistan's Food and Agriculture Minister Rana Abdul Hamid was the guest at the Republic Day. Both countries went to war later that year. Even China has been invited to the event. In 1958, Marshall Ye Jianying was the chief guest at Republic Day event. Bangladesh has never been represented on the occasion. World Powers at Republic day Russia has been invited only once in 2007 with Russian President Vladimir Putin representing the country. The Soviet Union was invited 3 times - 1957, 1960, 1968. The United Kingdom and France are at a tie with both the countries being invited 5 times.

With South Africa's presence this Republic Day, India increases its engagement with the continent 

South African prez Ramaphosa to be chief guest at Indian R-Day

India and South Africa on Friday exchanged a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-south-africas-presence-this-republic-day-india-increases-its-engagement-with-the-continent-192614"> three-year strategic programme </a>of cooperation that pledged to strengthen ties and work on United Nations reforms.&nbsp;

"Both are strategically located at Indian ocean and democracies. We are the inheritors of the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela and that is why we share the world view. We are also working together at United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.&nbsp;

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed gratitude to India for its support to Pretoria in&nbsp;its bid for a non-permanent member of UNSC and said, "our tenure will focus on extending peace and security in the world and strengthen the multilateral system".

Bilateral trade between India and South Africa stood at $10.65 billion in 2018-19. Both Delhi and Pretoria are members of G20, IBSA, IORA &amp; BRICS.&nbsp;

Earlier, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa was given a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Speaking at Rashtrapati Bhawan he said, "It's a real joy and pleasure to be here in India. This is a historic visit for us as South Africans because we are not only here to consolidate relation between India and South Africa but also to remember the great leaders of our two countries."

Lauding Mahatma Gandhi and South African leader Nelson Mandela, he said&nbsp;"Gandhi and Mandela are the two outstanding leaders that have blazed the particular trail for respect for human rights, freedom and democracy. They have put a path that all of us are traversing and we are the inheritors of the great work they have performed and we are in there awe."

He added, "my coming here as President of South Africa is to celebrate with people of India and pleased PM Modi invited me.''

He also paid homage to father of nation Mahatma Gandhi and wrote at visitors'&nbsp;book, "In honour of a world that is peaceful offering prosperity to its people"

The visit by the president comes in a year when India is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.&nbsp;

On Saturday he will be the chief guest at Republic Day parade. PM Modi personally handed over the invite to President Cyril when he met him on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina in December&nbsp;2018. He will be the second&nbsp;African leader to be the chief guest at Republic day parade and comes at a time when India is increasing its engagement with Africa.

This is the 2nd time a South African President will be the chief guest at Republic day. In 1995, the then President of South Africa Nelson Mandela was the chief guest at Republic day.

India and South Africa on Friday exchanged a three-year strategic programme of cooperation that pledged to strengthen ties and work on United Nations reforms. "Both are strategically located at Indian ocean and democracies.

India and South Africa on Friday exchanged a three-year strategic programme of cooperation that pledged to strengthen ties and work on United Nations reforms. "Both are strategically located at Indian ocean and democracies. We are the inheritors of the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela and that is why we share the world view. We are also working together at United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed gratitude to India for its support to Pretoria in its bid for a non-permanent member of UNSC and said, "our tenure will focus on extending peace and security in the world and strengthen the multilateral system". Bilateral trade between India and South Africa stood at $10.65 billion in 2018-19. Both Delhi and Pretoria are members of G20, IBSA, IORA & BRICS. Earlier, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa was given a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Speaking at Rashtrapati Bhawan he said, "It's a real joy and pleasure to be here in India. This is a historic visit for us as South Africans because we are not only here to consolidate relation between India and South Africa but also to remember the great leaders of our two countries." Lauding Mahatma Gandhi and South African leader Nelson Mandela, he said "Gandhi and Mandela are the two outstanding leaders that have blazed the particular trail for respect for human rights, freedom and democracy. They have put a path that all of us are traversing and we are the inheritors of the great work they have performed and we are in there awe." He added, "my coming here as President of South Africa is to celebrate with people of India and pleased PM Modi invited me.'' He also paid homage to father of nation Mahatma Gandhi and wrote at visitors' book, "In honour of a world that is peaceful offering prosperity to its people" The visit by the president comes in a year when India is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. On Saturday he will be the chief guest at Republic Day parade. PM Modi personally handed over the invite to President Cyril when he met him on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina in December 2018. He will be the second African leader to be the chief guest at Republic day parade and comes at a time when India is increasing its engagement with Africa. This is the 2nd time a South African President will be the chief guest at Republic day. In 1995, the then President of South Africa Nelson Mandela was the chief guest at Republic day.

India, South Africa sign 3-year strategic programme, pledge to strengthen ties

South Africa-India delegation level talks underway

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa began his two-day visit to India on Friday with a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Later in the day, he paid tribute at Raj Ghat - the Samadhi of the 'father of the nation' Mahatma Gandhi.

Speaking at Rashtrapati Bhawan he said, "It's a real joy and pleasure to be here in India. This is a historic visit for us as South Africans because we are not only here to consolidate relation between India and South Africa but also to remember the great leaders our two countries have had".

Lauding and remembering Mahatma Gandhi and South African leader Nelson Mandela he said, "Gandhi and Mandela are the two outstanding leaders that have blazed the particular trail for respect for human rights, freedom, and democracy. They have put a path that all of us are traversing and we are the inheritors of the great work they have performed and we are in their awe."

"My coming here as the President of South Africa is to celebrate with people of India and I am pleased PM Modi invited me. This is joy for us South Africans to be here, " he added.

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Deep and shared history 
 
President of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SouthAfrica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SouthAfrica</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CyrilRamaphosa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CyrilRamaphosa</a> is accorded ceremonial welcome by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentKovind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentKovind</a> &amp; PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and inspects the Guard of Honour <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rashtrapatibhvn</a> President Ramaphosa was invited by PM when the leaders met on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20Summit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20Summit</a> margins in Argentina <a href="https://t.co/kFUH1VjWNF">pic.twitter.com/kFUH1VjWNF</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1088681232135671808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Ramaphosa will be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade to be held in Delhi on Saturday. &nbsp;

PM Modi personally handed over the invitation to him when he met him on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina in December 2018. Ramaphosa will be the eleventh African leader to be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade.

This comes at a time when India is increasing its engagement with Africa and celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

This is the second time when a South African President will be the chief guest at Republic Day. In 1995, the then President of South Africa Nelson Mandela was the chief guest.

The South African President is being accompanied by the First Lady Dr. Tshepo Motsepe, and a high-level delegation including nine ministers, senior officials of his government along with a 50-member business delegation.&nbsp;

Over 150 Indian companies have invested in South Africa, employing over 20,000 locals. The bilateral trade increased to $ 10.65 billion in 2018-19 from $ 9.38 billion in 2017-18. Both countries are members of UN, BRICS, G-20, Commonwealth, Indian-Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the IBSA (India, Brazil and South Africa).

PM Modi had visited South Africa from July 7-9 in 2016, he visited Pretoria, Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg, and Durban. Former South African President Jacob Zuma had visited India twice in the last four years - first for the third India Africa summit in 2015 and later for the BRICS summit in Goa in 2016.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa began his two-day visit to India on Friday with a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Later in the day, he paid tribute at Raj Ghat - the Samadhi of the 'father of the nation' Mahatma Gandhi.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa began his two-day visit to India on Friday with a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Later in the day, he paid tribute at Raj Ghat - the Samadhi of the 'father of the nation' Mahatma Gandhi. Speaking at Rashtrapati Bhawan he said, "It's a real joy and pleasure to be here in India. This is a historic visit for us as South Africans because we are not only here to consolidate relation between India and South Africa but also to remember the great leaders our two countries have had". Lauding and remembering Mahatma Gandhi and South African leader Nelson Mandela he said, "Gandhi and Mandela are the two outstanding leaders that have blazed the particular trail for respect for human rights, freedom, and democracy. They have put a path that all of us are traversing and we are the inheritors of the great work they have performed and we are in their awe." "My coming here as the President of South Africa is to celebrate with people of India and I am pleased PM Modi invited me. This is joy for us South Africans to be here, " he added. Deep and shared history President of #SouthAfrica @CyrilRamaphosa is accorded ceremonial welcome by #PresidentKovind & PM @narendramodi and inspects the Guard of Honour @rashtrapatibhvn President Ramaphosa was invited by PM when the leaders met on #G20Summit margins in Argentina pic.twitter.com/kFUH1VjWNF — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) January 25, 2019 × Ramaphosa will be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade to be held in Delhi on Saturday. PM Modi personally handed over the invitation to him when he met him on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina in December 2018. Ramaphosa will be the eleventh African leader to be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade. This comes at a time when India is increasing its engagement with Africa and celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. This is the second time when a South African President will be the chief guest at Republic Day. In 1995, the then President of South Africa Nelson Mandela was the chief guest. The South African President is being accompanied by the First Lady Dr. Tshepo Motsepe, and a high-level delegation including nine ministers, senior officials of his government along with a 50-member business delegation. Over 150 Indian companies have invested in South Africa, employing over 20,000 locals. The bilateral trade increased to $ 10.65 billion in 2018-19 from $ 9.38 billion in 2017-18. Both countries are members of UN, BRICS, G-20, Commonwealth, Indian-Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the IBSA (India, Brazil and South Africa). PM Modi had visited South Africa from July 7-9 in 2016, he visited Pretoria, Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg, and Durban. Former South African President Jacob Zuma had visited India twice in the last four years - first for the third India Africa summit in 2015 and later for the BRICS summit in Goa in 2016.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrives in India; says visit will consolidate ties

South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa, who will be on a two-day India visit from Friday, described his visit to India as "homecoming moment".&nbsp;

Speaking exclusively to WION ahead of his India visit at Davos, Ramaphosa said, "ties between India and South Africa are very historical, political and most enhancing and empowering links."

Ramaphosa will also be the chief guest at India's Republic day on Saturday.&nbsp;

Calling his visit a homecoming moment, he said, "I will be going to India, and it is going to be a homecoming moment for us as we go to India because we want to strengthen the ties between South Africa and India. We want to promote trade and good relation between the two&nbsp;countries."

Drawing parallels between Father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi and South Africa's charismatic anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela, Ramaphosa said, "will to go there (India) and celebrate Mahatma Gandhi's life and Nelson Mandela's life. So that it helps us to consolidate our relations and it is the glue that binds the two countries together from the historical and political point of view."

This is the second time a South African President will be the chief guest at Republic day. In 1995, the then President of South Africa Nelson Mandela was the chief guest at Republic day. PM Modi personally handed over the invite to President Cyril when he met him on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina in December.

Ahead of the visit, TS Tirumurti, Secretary Economic relation in Ministry of External Affairs said, "This visit is significant both in the point of view of the strategic partnership with South Africa and in the overall context of our enhanced engagement with Africa."&nbsp;

The president will be accompanied by the First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe, and a high-level delegation including nine Ministers, senior officials of his Government and a 50-member business delegation.&nbsp;

The visit by the president comes in a year when India is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.&nbsp;

The South African President during the first day of his visit on 25th January will address the 1st IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) Gandhi Mandela Memorial Freedom Lecture and the India-South Africa Business Forum in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A roadmap on strategic partnership is expected to be signed for the next 3 years between India and South Africa during the visit.&nbsp;

In his last Mann ki Baat on 30th December 2018, PM Modi said "its a matter of great pride that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa would be the chief guest at republic day 2019. "

South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa, who will be on a two-day India visit from Friday, described his visit to India as "homecoming moment". Speaking exclusively to WION ahead of his India visit at Davos, Ramaphosa said, "ties between India and South Africa are very historical, political and most enhancing and empowering links.

South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa, who will be on a two-day India visit from Friday, described his visit to India as "homecoming moment". Speaking exclusively to WION ahead of his India visit at Davos, Ramaphosa said, "ties between India and South Africa are very historical, political and most enhancing and empowering links." Ramaphosa will also be the chief guest at India's Republic day on Saturday. Calling his visit a homecoming moment, he said, "I will be going to India, and it is going to be a homecoming moment for us as we go to India because we want to strengthen the ties between South Africa and India. We want to promote trade and good relation between the two countries." Drawing parallels between Father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi and South Africa's charismatic anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela, Ramaphosa said, "will to go there (India) and celebrate Mahatma Gandhi's life and Nelson Mandela's life. So that it helps us to consolidate our relations and it is the glue that binds the two countries together from the historical and political point of view." This is the second time a South African President will be the chief guest at Republic day. In 1995, the then President of South Africa Nelson Mandela was the chief guest at Republic day. PM Modi personally handed over the invite to President Cyril when he met him on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina in December. Ahead of the visit, TS Tirumurti, Secretary Economic relation in Ministry of External Affairs said, "This visit is significant both in the point of view of the strategic partnership with South Africa and in the overall context of our enhanced engagement with Africa." The president will be accompanied by the First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe, and a high-level delegation including nine Ministers, senior officials of his Government and a 50-member business delegation. The visit by the president comes in a year when India is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The South African President during the first day of his visit on 25th January will address the 1st IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) Gandhi Mandela Memorial Freedom Lecture and the India-South Africa Business Forum in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A roadmap on strategic partnership is expected to be signed for the next 3 years between India and South Africa during the visit. In his last Mann ki Baat on 30th December 2018, PM Modi said "its a matter of great pride that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa would be the chief guest at republic day 2019. "

'Homecoming moment,' says South Africa President Ramaphosa to WION ahead of 2-day India visit

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will land in India Friday for a two-day visit.

Ramaphosa is the chief guest of this year's Republic Day celebrations.&nbsp;PM Modi had personally handed over the invite to Ramaphosa when he met him in December 2018 on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina.

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150 years of Mahatma &amp; 100 years of Madiba! 
 
Good meeting between PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> &amp; South Africa President <a href="https://twitter.com/CyrilRamaphosa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CyrilRamaphosa</a> on margins of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20Summit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20Summit</a>. President Ramaphosa accepted India's invitation to be the Chief Guest at Republic Day during 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. <a href="https://t.co/JzF8SZdaia">pic.twitter.com/JzF8SZdaia</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1068880017822810112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This is the second time a South African president will be chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations. He was preceded in 1995 by Nelson Mandela.

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RD1995 witnessed Dr. Nelson R. Mandela, President of South Africa as chief guest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/26January?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#26January</a> <a href="http://t.co/bRf7P7k17G">pic.twitter.com/bRf7P7k17G</a>
— President Mukherjee (@POI13) <a href="https://twitter.com/POI13/status/558939803681443840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Announcing the visit, Ministry of External Affairs said, " India and South Africa enjoy a close and multifaceted strategic partnership since 1997, which is underpinned by historic, cultural and economic linkages."&nbsp;

Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe, and a high-level delegation including nine ministers, senior officials of his Government and a 50-member business delegation.&nbsp;

The visit by the South African President comes in a year when India is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.&nbsp;

During the first day of his visit on January 25, Ramaphosa will address the first IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) Gandhi Mandela Memorial Freedom Lecture and the India-South Africa Business Forum in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In his last Mann ki Baat on December 30, 2018, PM Modi said "Its a matter of great pride that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa would be the chief guest at republic day 2019."&nbsp;

He highlighted the special connection that India shares with South Africa because of the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi.

"Bapu had a special connection with South Africa. It was in South Africa that Mohan became Mahatma. It was in South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi started his first satyagraha, stood against racism, He founded Phoenix and Tolstoy farms from where demands for peace and justice reverberated around the world."

The Prime Minister also drew parallels between "Madiba and Bapu" and said, "Bapu and Mandela are a source of inspiration for the world."&nbsp;

PM Modi had visited South Africa from July 7-9 in 2016. He had visited Pretoria, Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg and Durban. The former President of South Africa Jacob Zuma had visited India twice in last four year--first for the third India Africa summit in 2015 and later for the BRICS summit in Goa in 2016.&nbsp;

Indians have been a crucial part of South African society with father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi playing an important role in the opposing racial discrimination in the country from 1893 to 1914. India even awarded Nelson Mandela the highest civilian award --the Bharat Ratna in 1990. India was represented by the then president Pranab Mukherjee when Nelson Mandela passed away in 2013.&nbsp;

The Indian origin community in the country is around 1.5 million which is 3 per cent of South Africa's total population. 80 per cent of Indian community lives in KwaZulu Natal, 15 per cent in Gauteng and about 5 per cent in cape town.&nbsp;

Over 150 Indian companies have invested in South Africa employing over 20,000 locals. The bilateral trade has increased to US $ 10.65 billion in 2018-19 from US $ 9.38 billion in 2017-18. Both countries are members of UN, BRICS, G-20, Commonwealth, Indian-ocean rim association (IORA) and the IBSA (India, Brazil and South Africa).

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will land in India Friday for a two-day visit. Ramaphosa is the chief guest of this year's Republic Day celebrations. PM Modi had personally handed over the invite to Ramaphosa when he met him in December 2018 on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will land in India Friday for a two-day visit. Ramaphosa is the chief guest of this year's Republic Day celebrations. PM Modi had personally handed over the invite to Ramaphosa when he met him in December 2018 on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina. 150 years of Mahatma & 100 years of Madiba! Good meeting between PM @narendramodi & South Africa President @CyrilRamaphosa on margins of #G20Summit. President Ramaphosa accepted India's invitation to be the Chief Guest at Republic Day during 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. pic.twitter.com/JzF8SZdaia — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) December 1, 2018 × This is the second time a South African president will be chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations. He was preceded in 1995 by Nelson Mandela. RD1995 witnessed Dr. Nelson R. Mandela, President of South Africa as chief guest #26January pic.twitter.com/bRf7P7k17G — President Mukherjee (@POI13) January 24, 2015 × Announcing the visit, Ministry of External Affairs said, " India and South Africa enjoy a close and multifaceted strategic partnership since 1997, which is underpinned by historic, cultural and economic linkages." Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe, and a high-level delegation including nine ministers, senior officials of his Government and a 50-member business delegation. The visit by the South African President comes in a year when India is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. During the first day of his visit on January 25, Ramaphosa will address the first IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) Gandhi Mandela Memorial Freedom Lecture and the India-South Africa Business Forum in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his last Mann ki Baat on December 30, 2018, PM Modi said "Its a matter of great pride that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa would be the chief guest at republic day 2019." He highlighted the special connection that India shares with South Africa because of the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi. "Bapu had a special connection with South Africa. It was in South Africa that Mohan became Mahatma. It was in South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi started his first satyagraha, stood against racism, He founded Phoenix and Tolstoy farms from where demands for peace and justice reverberated around the world." The Prime Minister also drew parallels between "Madiba and Bapu" and said, "Bapu and Mandela are a source of inspiration for the world." PM Modi had visited South Africa from July 7-9 in 2016. He had visited Pretoria, Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg and Durban. The former President of South Africa Jacob Zuma had visited India twice in last four year--first for the third India Africa summit in 2015 and later for the BRICS summit in Goa in 2016. Indians have been a crucial part of South African society with father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi playing an important role in the opposing racial discrimination in the country from 1893 to 1914. India even awarded Nelson Mandela the highest civilian award --the Bharat Ratna in 1990. India was represented by the then president Pranab Mukherjee when Nelson Mandela passed away in 2013. The Indian origin community in the country is around 1.5 million which is 3 per cent of South Africa's total population. 80 per cent of Indian community lives in KwaZulu Natal, 15 per cent in Gauteng and about 5 per cent in cape town. Over 150 Indian companies have invested in South Africa employing over 20,000 locals. The bilateral trade has increased to US $ 10.65 billion in 2018-19 from US $ 9.38 billion in 2017-18. Both countries are members of UN, BRICS, G-20, Commonwealth, Indian-ocean rim association (IORA) and the IBSA (India, Brazil and South Africa).

Republic Day chief guest, South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa, to land in India Friday

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday launched the ANC's campaign for legislative elections in May, acknowledging the party's past mistakes and promising to restore democratic institutions and economic growth.&nbsp;

Ramaphosa unveiled a 68-page manifesto before tens of thousands of supporters in the eastern city of Durban, marking the start of four months of hectic campaigning.

The African National Congress (ANC), which has ruled since the end of apartheid 25 years ago, is tipped to win the election in May despite faltering support, internal divisions and a sluggish economy.

The party of Nelson Mandela suffered a slump in popularity under the scandal-ridden presidency of Jacob Zuma, who was ousted last February after nine years at the helm.

But a recent IPSOS survey predicted the ANC could garner as much as 61 per cent in the national and provincial elections.

At the legislative level, that would put it on a par with its performance in 2014, when it picked up 62 per cent. In South Africa's parliament, the party which holds a majority of seats also selects the president.

The forecast upswing is pinned on the appointment of moderate pro-business reformer Ramaphosa as president after ANC lawmakers forced Zuma to resign as corruption scandals piled up.

Ramaphosa admitted the party has in recent times "fallen short" of expectations.

"We must acknowledge that mistakes have been made and that in some areas transformation has stalled," he said.&nbsp;

"After a period of doubt and uncertainty, we have arrived at a moment of hope and renewal.&nbsp;

"The 2019 elections provide an opportunity to restore our democratic institutions and to return our country to a path of transformation, growth and development."

He said at the centre of the party manifesto is a plan to create jobs and ensure decent wages.

He vowed to "intensify" the war against corruption.

Tens of thousands of party activists dressed mostly in yellow and green party colours converged at the 85,000-capacity soccer stadium in the coastal city of Durban for the campaign launch where they danced to music.

The stadium erupted into wild applause when ex-leader Zuma joined a group of dancers on stage. &nbsp;

In a noisy and colourful display, dozens of motorbike riders flying ANC flags, circled the pitch - revving up their bikes to chants and applause.&nbsp;

In a bruising internal party battle, Ramaphosa won a power struggle to succeed Zuma, whose favoured candidate was Zuma's former wife.

Senior party officials have this week fanned out across Kwa-Zulu Natal province - which has in recent years experienced a spate of killings of ANC officials - spreading the message of a revived and unified party.

Party revival?

Ramaphosa vowed work "more diligently" to get rid of factionalism and patronage, as he switched between the country's 11 languages, throughout his speech.&nbsp;

Launching its election manifesto in heavily-populated KwaZulu-Natal -- Zuma's home province and former stronghold -- is a strategic choice after last year's divisions.

Ramaphosa has publicly tried to mend ties, sitting next to Zuma and praising him at party events.

In policy terms, the manifesto is set to underline the ANC's commitment to land reform to tackle racial inequality -- setting the stage for one of the election's fiercest battlegrounds.

One of Ramaphosa's flagship pledges is to change the constitution to allow land to be taken from minority white owners without compensation -- a plan aimed at attracting landless black voters but that has alarmed many foreign investors.

"In this manifesto, we outline .... a plan to accelerate land reform..., including, where appropriate, expropriation without compensation," said Ramaphosa.

The South African economy is forecast to have grown just 0.7 per cent last year, with unemployment remaining at record highs of over 27 per cent.

The ANC will face the main opposition Democratic Alliance and the radical leftist Economic Freedom Fighters party in the election.

Both parties hope to make gains due to the ANC's poor recent record and discontent over stark post-apartheid inequality.

But they have struggled to dent the ruling party since Zuma's fall.

Ramaphosa is eyeing "a decisive victory" in the elections.

Unemployed mother of six, Marriam Xobololo, 53, from the rural area of eNgcobo in the Eastern Cape province has voted for the ANC since 1994.

"When you join the ANC, it’s like when you accept Christ in your heart. The ANC is just like Christ in my heart," she said. "I will forever vote for ANC, and I will die and perish voting for the ANC."

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday launched the ANC's campaign for legislative elections in May, acknowledging the party's past mistakes and promising to restore democratic institutions and economic growth.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday launched the ANC's campaign for legislative elections in May, acknowledging the party's past mistakes and promising to restore democratic institutions and economic growth. Ramaphosa unveiled a 68-page manifesto before tens of thousands of supporters in the eastern city of Durban, marking the start of four months of hectic campaigning. The African National Congress (ANC), which has ruled since the end of apartheid 25 years ago, is tipped to win the election in May despite faltering support, internal divisions and a sluggish economy. The party of Nelson Mandela suffered a slump in popularity under the scandal-ridden presidency of Jacob Zuma, who was ousted last February after nine years at the helm. But a recent IPSOS survey predicted the ANC could garner as much as 61 per cent in the national and provincial elections. At the legislative level, that would put it on a par with its performance in 2014, when it picked up 62 per cent. In South Africa's parliament, the party which holds a majority of seats also selects the president. The forecast upswing is pinned on the appointment of moderate pro-business reformer Ramaphosa as president after ANC lawmakers forced Zuma to resign as corruption scandals piled up. Ramaphosa admitted the party has in recent times "fallen short" of expectations. "We must acknowledge that mistakes have been made and that in some areas transformation has stalled," he said. "After a period of doubt and uncertainty, we have arrived at a moment of hope and renewal. "The 2019 elections provide an opportunity to restore our democratic institutions and to return our country to a path of transformation, growth and development." He said at the centre of the party manifesto is a plan to create jobs and ensure decent wages. He vowed to "intensify" the war against corruption. Tens of thousands of party activists dressed mostly in yellow and green party colours converged at the 85,000-capacity soccer stadium in the coastal city of Durban for the campaign launch where they danced to music. The stadium erupted into wild applause when ex-leader Zuma joined a group of dancers on stage. In a noisy and colourful display, dozens of motorbike riders flying ANC flags, circled the pitch - revving up their bikes to chants and applause. In a bruising internal party battle, Ramaphosa won a power struggle to succeed Zuma, whose favoured candidate was Zuma's former wife. Senior party officials have this week fanned out across Kwa-Zulu Natal province - which has in recent years experienced a spate of killings of ANC officials - spreading the message of a revived and unified party. Party revival? Ramaphosa vowed work "more diligently" to get rid of factionalism and patronage, as he switched between the country's 11 languages, throughout his speech. Launching its election manifesto in heavily-populated KwaZulu-Natal -- Zuma's home province and former stronghold -- is a strategic choice after last year's divisions. Ramaphosa has publicly tried to mend ties, sitting next to Zuma and praising him at party events. In policy terms, the manifesto is set to underline the ANC's commitment to land reform to tackle racial inequality -- setting the stage for one of the election's fiercest battlegrounds. One of Ramaphosa's flagship pledges is to change the constitution to allow land to be taken from minority white owners without compensation -- a plan aimed at attracting landless black voters but that has alarmed many foreign investors. "In this manifesto, we outline .... a plan to accelerate land reform..., including, where appropriate, expropriation without compensation," said Ramaphosa. The South African economy is forecast to have grown just 0.7 per cent last year, with unemployment remaining at record highs of over 27 per cent. The ANC will face the main opposition Democratic Alliance and the radical leftist Economic Freedom Fighters party in the election. Both parties hope to make gains due to the ANC's poor recent record and discontent over stark post-apartheid inequality. But they have struggled to dent the ruling party since Zuma's fall. Ramaphosa is eyeing "a decisive victory" in the elections. Unemployed mother of six, Marriam Xobololo, 53, from the rural area of eNgcobo in the Eastern Cape province has voted for the ANC since 1994. "When you join the ANC, it’s like when you accept Christ in your heart. The ANC is just like Christ in my heart," she said. "I will forever vote for ANC, and I will die and perish voting for the ANC."

Ruling ANC kicks off South Africa election campaign with vow to restore democracy

South Africa broke free of recession on Tuesday when it reported GDP growth of 2.2 per cent for the third quarter, the statistics authority said, marking a positive economic trajectory ahead of elections.&nbsp;

President Cyril Ramaphosa, who took power in February, has pledged to revive the listless economy ahead of polls due in May by attracting $100 billion in foreign investment and by fighting corruption.

The growth, which contrasted sharply with the second quarter's 0.4 per cent contraction, was driven by a surge in the manufacturing, agriculture and transport sectors, Stats SA said in a statement.

The announcement follows a strong week for the local rand currency which has benefited from a detente in the United States' trade war with China.&nbsp;

The Rand currency was the second strongest performing of all developing countries against the dollar since Friday, gaining 1.81 per cent according to Bloomberg.

Lukman Otunuga, an analyst at FXTM foreign exchange, said in a note to investors that the country's exit from recession would boost "confidence over the South African economy and investor appetite towards the rand".

The purchasing managers' index published by Absa's Bureau for Economic Research on Monday showed that factory orders had bounced back from a 15-month low.

Manufacturing was up 7.5 per cent in the third quarter compared to the second, Stats SA said.

But Finance Minister Tito Mboweni's mid-term budget statement delivered in October slashed South Africa's 2018 growth forecast from 1.5 per cent to 0.7 per cent.

Mboweni is the country's fifth finance minister in three years after his respected predecessor Nhlanhla Nene resigned in October.

The country's economic performance is seen as crucial to bolstering the ruling African National Congress' standing ahead of national polls due in May 2019.

Voters have been buffeted by soaring fuel prices and a weak local currency while unemployment is stubbornly high at about 28 per cent -- rising to over 50 per cent for young people.

South Africa broke free of recession on Tuesday when it reported GDP growth of 2.2 per cent for the third quarter, the statistics authority said, marking a positive economic trajectory ahead of elections.

South Africa broke free of recession on Tuesday when it reported GDP growth of 2.2 per cent for the third quarter, the statistics authority said, marking a positive economic trajectory ahead of elections. President Cyril Ramaphosa, who took power in February, has pledged to revive the listless economy ahead of polls due in May by attracting $100 billion in foreign investment and by fighting corruption. The growth, which contrasted sharply with the second quarter's 0.4 per cent contraction, was driven by a surge in the manufacturing, agriculture and transport sectors, Stats SA said in a statement. The announcement follows a strong week for the local rand currency which has benefited from a detente in the United States' trade war with China. The Rand currency was the second strongest performing of all developing countries against the dollar since Friday, gaining 1.81 per cent according to Bloomberg. Lukman Otunuga, an analyst at FXTM foreign exchange, said in a note to investors that the country's exit from recession would boost "confidence over the South African economy and investor appetite towards the rand". The purchasing managers' index published by Absa's Bureau for Economic Research on Monday showed that factory orders had bounced back from a 15-month low. Manufacturing was up 7.5 per cent in the third quarter compared to the second, Stats SA said. But Finance Minister Tito Mboweni's mid-term budget statement delivered in October slashed South Africa's 2018 growth forecast from 1.5 per cent to 0.7 per cent. Mboweni is the country's fifth finance minister in three years after his respected predecessor Nhlanhla Nene resigned in October. The country's economic performance is seen as crucial to bolstering the ruling African National Congress' standing ahead of national polls due in May 2019. Voters have been buffeted by soaring fuel prices and a weak local currency while unemployment is stubbornly high at about 28 per cent -- rising to over 50 per cent for young people.

South Africa exits recession as government eyes 2019 polls

The South African President &nbsp;Cyril Ramaphosa will be the chief guest at India's republic day celebration in 2019.&nbsp;

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially handed over the invite to South African President in a bilateral on the sidelines of G20.

Speaking after the bilateral, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "PM extended South Africa Pres Cyril Ramaphosa invitation to be the chief guest for India's Republic Day in 2019 and Ramaphosa accepted"

India will be celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 2019. A number of programmes have been organised by India to celebrate the anniversary.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, India invited all 10 heads of the ASEAN grouping for the republic day.

The South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the chief guest at India's republic day celebration in 2019. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially handed over the invite to South African President in a bilateral on the sidelines of G20.

The South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the chief guest at India's republic day celebration in 2019. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially handed over the invite to South African President in a bilateral on the sidelines of G20. Speaking after the bilateral, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "PM extended South Africa Pres Cyril Ramaphosa invitation to be the chief guest for India's Republic Day in 2019 and Ramaphosa accepted" India will be celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 2019. A number of programmes have been organised by India to celebrate the anniversary. Earlier this year, India invited all 10 heads of the ASEAN grouping for the republic day.

Republic Day 2019: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to be India's chief guest

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled a limited cabinet reshuffle Thursday ahead of elections in May when the ruling ANC party will seek to turn around its decline in popularity.

In the most significant of three appointments, Siyabonga Cwele, 60, was moved from the telecommunications ministry to replace former home affairs minister Malusi Gigaba.

Gigaba -- who resigned last week -- was an ally of former president Jacob Zuma, who was ousted earlier this year by the ANC amid mounting graft scandals.

Announcing the changes, Ramaphosa said he wanted "an appropriate mix" of experience, capability, gender and generation in his cabinet.

The late environmental affairs minister Edna Molewa, who died in September, was replaced by former communications minister Nomvula Mokonyane, 55.

In a sign of Ramaphosa's wish to slim down the government, Stella Ndabeni Abrahams, 41, was named head of a new department merging communications, telecommunications and the postal services.

"The merging is the first wave," Ramaphosa said.

The ANC has dominated South African politics since the end of apartheid but has seen its vote share fall in recent elections.

Ramaphosa will lead the party in next year's general election which comes as the country grapples with stubbornly high unemployment and slow growth.

The South African Reserve Bank on Thursday raised the benchmark lending rate for the first time in more than two years, as it balances price rises with the weak economy.

South Africa, Africa's most advanced economy, slipped into recession in the second quarter of this year.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled a limited cabinet reshuffle Thursday ahead of elections in May when the ruling ANC party will seek to turn around its decline in popularity.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled a limited cabinet reshuffle Thursday ahead of elections in May when the ruling ANC party will seek to turn around its decline in popularity. In the most significant of three appointments, Siyabonga Cwele, 60, was moved from the telecommunications ministry to replace former home affairs minister Malusi Gigaba. Gigaba -- who resigned last week -- was an ally of former president Jacob Zuma, who was ousted earlier this year by the ANC amid mounting graft scandals. Announcing the changes, Ramaphosa said he wanted "an appropriate mix" of experience, capability, gender and generation in his cabinet. The late environmental affairs minister Edna Molewa, who died in September, was replaced by former communications minister Nomvula Mokonyane, 55. In a sign of Ramaphosa's wish to slim down the government, Stella Ndabeni Abrahams, 41, was named head of a new department merging communications, telecommunications and the postal services. "The merging is the first wave," Ramaphosa said. The ANC has dominated South African politics since the end of apartheid but has seen its vote share fall in recent elections. Ramaphosa will lead the party in next year's general election which comes as the country grapples with stubbornly high unemployment and slow growth. The South African Reserve Bank on Thursday raised the benchmark lending rate for the first time in more than two years, as it balances price rises with the weak economy. South Africa, Africa's most advanced economy, slipped into recession in the second quarter of this year.

South Africa president tweaks cabinet ahead of May election

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is likely to be the chief guest at the 2019 Republic Day parade here, sources said.

Earlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extended an invitation to US President Donald Trump, but he expressed his inability citing "scheduling conflicts."

Cyril Ramaphosa will be the second leader from South Africa to attend India's Republic Day parade as the chief guest.

Former President Nelson Mandela was the chief guest at the 1995 Republic Day parade.

South African President Ramaphosa is a follower of Mahatma Gandhi. A few months back, he led as many as 5,000 people at the annual 'Gandhi Walk'&nbsp;event organized at Lenasia, a few kilometers away from Johannesburg in an attempt to promote fitness and community awareness.India and South Africa are making efforts to develop bilateral relations in order to boost trade and investment relations.

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Ramaphosa on the sidelines of the BRICS summit held in Johannesburg. During the meet, the two-state heads signed MoUs in the areas of defense, trade, culture, agriculture, and dairy cooperation.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is likely to be the chief guest at the 2019 Republic Day parade here, sources said. Earlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extended an invitation to US President Donald Trump, but he expressed his inability citing "scheduling conflicts.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is likely to be the chief guest at the 2019 Republic Day parade here, sources said. Earlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extended an invitation to US President Donald Trump, but he expressed his inability citing "scheduling conflicts." Cyril Ramaphosa will be the second leader from South Africa to attend India's Republic Day parade as the chief guest. Former President Nelson Mandela was the chief guest at the 1995 Republic Day parade. South African President Ramaphosa is a follower of Mahatma Gandhi. A few months back, he led as many as 5,000 people at the annual 'Gandhi Walk' event organized at Lenasia, a few kilometers away from Johannesburg in an attempt to promote fitness and community awareness.India and South Africa are making efforts to develop bilateral relations in order to boost trade and investment relations. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Ramaphosa on the sidelines of the BRICS summit held in Johannesburg. During the meet, the two-state heads signed MoUs in the areas of defense, trade, culture, agriculture, and dairy cooperation.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa likely to be chief guest at Republic Day

Breaking News: South African leader Cyril Ramaphosa may be Chief guest of R-day

South Africans will head to polls in May 2019, officials said Wednesday, with President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ruling ANC party seeking to reverse growing voter discontent over the weak economy.

The ANC, which has held power since the end of apartheid in 1994, recorded its worst electoral performance in local polls in 2016 before it replaced scandal-tainted Jacob Zuma with Ramaphosa earlier this year.

The main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) and radical Economic Freedom Fighters parties will hope to make gains in the election as unemployment hits record highs of near 28 per cent and racial inequalities remain dire.

"The commission held an engagement with the president... and subsequent to that the president then announced his intention to have elections before the end of May," Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) chairman Glen Mashinini told reporters.

"We normally do it on a public holiday on a Wednesday. It will be one of those Wednesdays within the month of May after the 7th of May."

Ramaphosa, a former trade unionist and wealthy businessman, is expected to announce the election date in February.

At the last national elections, held in 2014, the African National Congress (ANC) won 62 per cent of the vote, the DA won 22 per cent and EFF took six per cent.

In local elections in 2016, ANC support fell to 53 per cent -- pointing to a fiercely contested vote next year.

An October poll by Afrobarometer suggested 48 per cent of South Africans would vote for the ANC, with the DA and EFF tied on 11 per cent each.

South Africans will head to polls in May 2019, officials said Wednesday, with President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ruling ANC party seeking to reverse growing voter discontent over the weak economy.

South Africans will head to polls in May 2019, officials said Wednesday, with President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ruling ANC party seeking to reverse growing voter discontent over the weak economy. The ANC, which has held power since the end of apartheid in 1994, recorded its worst electoral performance in local polls in 2016 before it replaced scandal-tainted Jacob Zuma with Ramaphosa earlier this year. The main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) and radical Economic Freedom Fighters parties will hope to make gains in the election as unemployment hits record highs of near 28 per cent and racial inequalities remain dire. "The commission held an engagement with the president... and subsequent to that the president then announced his intention to have elections before the end of May," Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) chairman Glen Mashinini told reporters. "We normally do it on a public holiday on a Wednesday. It will be one of those Wednesdays within the month of May after the 7th of May." Ramaphosa, a former trade unionist and wealthy businessman, is expected to announce the election date in February. At the last national elections, held in 2014, the African National Congress (ANC) won 62 per cent of the vote, the DA won 22 per cent and EFF took six per cent. In local elections in 2016, ANC support fell to 53 per cent -- pointing to a fiercely contested vote next year. An October poll by Afrobarometer suggested 48 per cent of South Africans would vote for the ANC, with the DA and EFF tied on 11 per cent each.

South Africa to hold elections in May 2019

South Africa's president announced a multi-billion-dollar stimulus programme on Friday, earmarking funds for job creation and infrastructure development as he seeks to make good on a pledge to revive the country's ailing economy.

Speaking a day after the central bank disappointed some in his ruling African National Congress (ANC) party by not cutting interest rates, Cyril Ramaphosa said the government needed to put the funds at its disposal to better use.

"We have to resort to reprioritising our budget," Ramaphosa told reporters in Pretoria, adding that there was no room to increase spending or borrowing.

He said 50 billion rand ($3.5 billion) of "reprioritised expenditure and new project-level funding" would be used to boost economic growth and create jobs, and the government would also launch a 400 billion rand "medium-term" infrastructure fund.

"The central element of the economic stimulus and recovery plan is the reprioritisation of spending towards activities that have the greatest economic effect," he said.

When he took over in February from Jacob Zuma, whose term of office was plagued by scandal, Ramaphosa staked his reputation on economic revival and he received a warm welcome from investors in part due to his strong ties to the business community.

But having stagnated for a decade, Africa's most industrialised economy slipped further in the second quarter by entering recession for the first time since 2009, while the rand has weakened.

The local currency briefly extended gains after Ramaphosa's speech before slipping back to trade 0.31 per cent firmer against the dollar.

SLOW GROWTH, HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT

Ramaphosa said the infrastructure fund would attract finances from development institutions and banks, private lenders and private sector and ordinary investors.

Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene told the same event that the 50 billion rand fund would come from under-performing government programmes. He gave no detail and it was also not clear how much of the money would be new funding and how much would be shifted from other projects.

South Africa needs faster economic growth to reduce its 27 per cent unemployment rate and alleviate poverty and inequality, which are stoking instability ahead of national elections next year.

But the central bank on Thursday also cut its gross domestic product forecast for 2018 and said there was little leeway in monetary policy to boost the economy beyond the new growth figure while the outlook for inflation had deteriorated.

Land and mining ownership reforms set in motion by Ramaphosa have also unnerved investors, and after an initial rally following his election as ANC leader in December and state president in February, business confidence has wavered.

Ramaphosa said the country's economy would be put on a firmer footing by the measures he announced on Friday.

"Our economic challenges are huge and our difficulties are severe and in the end will take extraordinary effort and they will also take some time," he said. "For several years our economy has not grown at the space we needed to create enough jobs."

South Africa's president announced a multi-billion-dollar stimulus programme on Friday, earmarking funds for job creation and infrastructure development as he seeks to make good on a pledge to revive the country's ailing economy.

South Africa's president announced a multi-billion-dollar stimulus programme on Friday, earmarking funds for job creation and infrastructure development as he seeks to make good on a pledge to revive the country's ailing economy. Speaking a day after the central bank disappointed some in his ruling African National Congress (ANC) party by not cutting interest rates, Cyril Ramaphosa said the government needed to put the funds at its disposal to better use. "We have to resort to reprioritising our budget," Ramaphosa told reporters in Pretoria, adding that there was no room to increase spending or borrowing. He said 50 billion rand ($3.5 billion) of "reprioritised expenditure and new project-level funding" would be used to boost economic growth and create jobs, and the government would also launch a 400 billion rand "medium-term" infrastructure fund. "The central element of the economic stimulus and recovery plan is the reprioritisation of spending towards activities that have the greatest economic effect," he said. When he took over in February from Jacob Zuma, whose term of office was plagued by scandal, Ramaphosa staked his reputation on economic revival and he received a warm welcome from investors in part due to his strong ties to the business community. But having stagnated for a decade, Africa's most industrialised economy slipped further in the second quarter by entering recession for the first time since 2009, while the rand has weakened. The local currency briefly extended gains after Ramaphosa's speech before slipping back to trade 0.31 per cent firmer against the dollar. SLOW GROWTH, HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT Ramaphosa said the infrastructure fund would attract finances from development institutions and banks, private lenders and private sector and ordinary investors. Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene told the same event that the 50 billion rand fund would come from under-performing government programmes. He gave no detail and it was also not clear how much of the money would be new funding and how much would be shifted from other projects. South Africa needs faster economic growth to reduce its 27 per cent unemployment rate and alleviate poverty and inequality, which are stoking instability ahead of national elections next year. But the central bank on Thursday also cut its gross domestic product forecast for 2018 and said there was little leeway in monetary policy to boost the economy beyond the new growth figure while the outlook for inflation had deteriorated. Land and mining ownership reforms set in motion by Ramaphosa have also unnerved investors, and after an initial rally following his election as ANC leader in December and state president in February, business confidence has wavered. Ramaphosa said the country's economy would be put on a firmer footing by the measures he announced on Friday. "Our economic challenges are huge and our difficulties are severe and in the end will take extraordinary effort and they will also take some time," he said. "For several years our economy has not grown at the space we needed to create enough jobs."

South Africa's Ramaphosa outlines stimulus plan for ailing economy

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced doubling of India's contribution to the Commonwealth fund for technical cooperation and stressed the need to focus on providing developmental assistance to small island states, the External Affairs Ministry said today.

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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-of-unpleasant-response-if-us-drops-nuclear-deal-report-131514">Iran warns of 'unpleasant' response if </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-of-unpleasant-response-if-us-drops-nuclear-deal-report-131514">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-of-unpleasant-response-if-us-drops-nuclear-deal-report-131514"> drops nuclear deal: Report</a>

Iran warned the United States on Thursday of "unpleasant" consequences if Washington pulls out of a multinational nuclear deal, Iranian state TV reported.

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Cuba's new president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, began his term on Thursday with a promise to defend the socialist revolution led by the Castro brothers since 1959, giving a sober speech that also emphasized the need to modernize the island's economy.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/south-africas-ramaphosa-cuts-short-britain-trip-to-deal-with-protests-at-home-131503">South Africa's Ramaphosa cuts short Britain trip to deal with protests at home</a>

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has cut short his visit to Britain by a day to return home to deal with protests in the country's North West province, his office said on Thursday.

PM Narendra Modi at Commonwealth bats for developmental assistance to small states Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced doubling of India's contribution to the Commonwealth fund for technical cooperation and stressed the need to focus on providing developmental assistance to small island states, the External Affairs Ministry said today. 4 Indians featured on Time's '100 Most Influential People' of 2018, PM Modi not on the list Time magazine on Thursday, April 19, revealed it’s annual “100 Most Influential People” list for 2018 celebrating leaders in entertainment, politics, sports, technology, activism and more. Iran warns of 'unpleasant' response if US drops nuclear deal: Report Iran warned the United States on Thursday of "unpleasant" consequences if Washington pulls out of a multinational nuclear deal, Iranian state TV reported. Cuba's new president vows to defend legacy of Castro revolution Cuba's new president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, began his term on Thursday with a promise to defend the socialist revolution led by the Castro brothers since 1959, giving a sober speech that also emphasized the need to modernize the island's economy. South Africa's Ramaphosa cuts short Britain trip to deal with protests at home South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has cut short his visit to Britain by a day to return home to deal with protests in the country's North West province, his office said on Thursday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has cut short his visit to Britain by a day to return home to deal with protests in the country's North West province, his office said on Thursday.

Protesters seeking jobs, better housing, roads and hospitals frequently clash with police in a country faced with weak economic growth and near-record unemployment - but these are the first big demonstrations since Ramaphosa took power in February.

The unrest, dubbed "service delivery protests", has mounted over the years.

The latest protests erupted on Wednesday with residents demanding that the province's Premier Supra Mahumapelo, a member of Ramaphosa's ruling African National Congress party, step down.&nbsp

Ramaphosa called for calm, ordered police to exercise maximum restraint and urged the aggrieved parties to express their grievances without resorting to violence.&nbsp

He was due to return to South Africa on Friday from London, where he is leading a delegation to a Commonwealth summit.

"The president will return to Pretoria today, Thursday," the president`s office said in a statement.

South African media reported that a bus was set alight, vehicles stoned and roads blockaded by protesters calling for Mahumapelo to quit because of a failure to adequately deliver services. Polife fired teargas to disperse the crowds.

Botswana's government said on Thursday it had closed exit points to South Africa's North West province, where the two countries share a border. The troubled province lies 300 km (200 miles) west of South Africa`s commercial hub Johannesburg.

Protesters seeking jobs, better housing, roads and hospitals frequently clash with police in a country faced with weak economic growth and near-record unemployment - but these are the first big demonstrations since Ramaphosa took power in February

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has cut short his visit to Britain by a day to return home to deal with protests in the country's North West province, his office said on Thursday. Protesters seeking jobs, better housing, roads and hospitals frequently clash with police in a country faced with weak economic growth and near-record unemployment - but these are the first big demonstrations since Ramaphosa took power in February. The unrest, dubbed "service delivery protests", has mounted over the years. The latest protests erupted on Wednesday with residents demanding that the province's Premier Supra Mahumapelo, a member of Ramaphosa's ruling African National Congress party, step down. Ramaphosa called for calm, ordered police to exercise maximum restraint and urged the aggrieved parties to express their grievances without resorting to violence. He was due to return to South Africa on Friday from London, where he is leading a delegation to a Commonwealth summit. "The president will return to Pretoria today, Thursday," the president`s office said in a statement. South African media reported that a bus was set alight, vehicles stoned and roads blockaded by protesters calling for Mahumapelo to quit because of a failure to adequately deliver services. Polife fired teargas to disperse the crowds. Botswana's government said on Thursday it had closed exit points to South Africa's North West province, where the two countries share a border. The troubled province lies 300 km (200 miles) west of South Africa`s commercial hub Johannesburg.

South Africa's Ramaphosa cuts short Britain trip to deal with protests at home

South Africa prepared to welcome wealthy former businessman Cyril Ramaphosa as its new president Thursday after scandal-tainted Jacob Zuma resigned under intense pressure from his own party.

Zuma announced he had stepped down in a late-night television address in which he took some digs at the African National Congress (ANC) party that had pledged to oust him via a parliamentary no-confidence vote.

In a 30-minute speech, Zuma said he had &quot;come to the decision to resign as president of the republic with immediate effect&quot;.

&quot;I have only asked my party to articulate my transgressions and the reason for its immediate instruction that I vacate office,&quot; he said.

Zuma, 75, had been in a divisive power struggle with Ramaphosa, the deputy president.

Ramaphosa, who won control of the ANC when he was elected as its head in December, will be voted in by parliament as South Africa&#39;s new president on Thursday when lawmakers sit from 1200 GMT.

Benchmark South African stocks scored their biggest gains since June 2016 after news that a pro-business reformist would be taking the helm.&nbsp;

The FTSE/JSE Africa All Share Index rose as much as 2.7 percent, while the rand reached its strongest level since February 2015, gaining 0.5 percent at 11.6570 for one US dollar in early trading.&nbsp;

Zuma, in an earlier TV interview on Wednesday, said he had received &quot;very unfair&quot; treatment from the party that he joined in 1959 and in which he had fought for decades against apartheid white-minority rule.

He said he was angered over &quot;the manner in which the decision is being implemented... I don&#39;t agree, as there is no evidence of if I have done anything wrong.&quot;

Forced out 
The party&#39;s national executive committee had ordered Zuma&#39;s recall from office on Tuesday, after a 13-hour meeting at a hotel outside Pretoria, but he at first refused.

ANC officials then said that if Zuma did not resign, the party&#39;s lawmakers in the Cape Town parliament would vote out him on Thursday.

But, after the resignation, party deputy secretary general Jesse Duarte cautioned: &quot;We are not celebrating&quot;.

&quot;We have had to recall a cadre of the movement that has served this organisation for over 60 years, it&#39;s not a small matter,&quot; she added.

Zuma, who had no formal education, was jailed on Robben Island for 10 years alongside Nelson Mandela under apartheid and rose through the ranks of the ANC to take power in 2009.

But his rule was dominated by graft scandals, economic slowdown and falling popularity for the celebrated liberation party.

In a day of high drama, police early Wednesday raided the Johannesburg home of the Gupta business family, which is accused of overseeing a web of corruption in Zuma&#39;s government.

Police said three unidentified people had been arrested in investigations into &quot;Vrede Farm&quot; -- allegations that millions of dollars of public money meant for poor dairy farmers were siphoned off by the Guptas.

Local media reported that Zuma had been pushing for a resignation deal that included his legal fees to fight multiple criminal charges -- but he denied the allegations in his resignation speech.

One case against him relates to 783 payments he allegedly received linked to an arms deal before he came to power.

Other graft allegations have centred on the three Gupta brothers, who are accused of unfairly obtaining lucrative government contracts and even hand-picking Zuma&#39;s ministerial appointments.

The political standoff in recent weeks plunged South Africa -- the continent&#39;s most developed economy -- into confusion over who was running the country, with last Thursday&#39;s annual State of the Nation address cancelled at the last-minute.

Ramaphosa will &nbsp;now deliver the address on Friday.

Decline of Mandela&#39;s party 
Zuma, a Zulu traditionalist with four wives and a proud singing voice, had been scheduled to stand down next year after serving the maximum two terms.

In local polls in 2016, the ANC recorded its worst electoral result since coming to power in 1994 with Mandela at the helm as white-minority rule fell.

Ramaphosa, 65, must revive the economy and crack down on what he has admitted is rampant government corruption if he is to boost the party&#39;s tarnished reputation before a tricky general election next year.

He is a former trade unionist and Mandela ally who led talks to end apartheid in the early 1990s and then became a hugely wealthy businessman before returning to politics.

Zuma&#39;s hold over the ANC was broken in December when his chosen successor -- his former wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma -- narrowly lost to Ramaphosa in a vote for the new party leader.

Cyril Ramaphosa, who won control of the ANC when he was elected as its head in December, will be voted in by parliament as South Africa's new president on Thursday

South Africa prepared to welcome wealthy former businessman Cyril Ramaphosa as its new president Thursday after scandal-tainted Jacob Zuma resigned under intense pressure from his own party. Zuma announced he had stepped down in a late-night television address in which he took some digs at the African National Congress (ANC) party that had pledged to oust him via a parliamentary no-confidence vote. In a 30-minute speech, Zuma said he had "come to the decision to resign as president of the republic with immediate effect". "I have only asked my party to articulate my transgressions and the reason for its immediate instruction that I vacate office," he said. Zuma, 75, had been in a divisive power struggle with Ramaphosa, the deputy president. Ramaphosa, who won control of the ANC when he was elected as its head in December, will be voted in by parliament as South Africa's new president on Thursday when lawmakers sit from 1200 GMT. Benchmark South African stocks scored their biggest gains since June 2016 after news that a pro-business reformist would be taking the helm. The FTSE/JSE Africa All Share Index rose as much as 2.7 percent, while the rand reached its strongest level since February 2015, gaining 0.5 percent at 11.6570 for one US dollar in early trading. Zuma, in an earlier TV interview on Wednesday, said he had received "very unfair" treatment from the party that he joined in 1959 and in which he had fought for decades against apartheid white-minority rule. He said he was angered over "the manner in which the decision is being implemented... I don't agree, as there is no evidence of if I have done anything wrong." Forced out The party's national executive committee had ordered Zuma's recall from office on Tuesday, after a 13-hour meeting at a hotel outside Pretoria, but he at first refused. ANC officials then said that if Zuma did not resign, the party's lawmakers in the Cape Town parliament would vote out him on Thursday. But, after the resignation, party deputy secretary general Jesse Duarte cautioned: "We are not celebrating". "We have had to recall a cadre of the movement that has served this organisation for over 60 years, it's not a small matter," she added. Zuma, who had no formal education, was jailed on Robben Island for 10 years alongside Nelson Mandela under apartheid and rose through the ranks of the ANC to take power in 2009. But his rule was dominated by graft scandals, economic slowdown and falling popularity for the celebrated liberation party. In a day of high drama, police early Wednesday raided the Johannesburg home of the Gupta business family, which is accused of overseeing a web of corruption in Zuma's government. Police said three unidentified people had been arrested in investigations into "Vrede Farm" -- allegations that millions of dollars of public money meant for poor dairy farmers were siphoned off by the Guptas. Local media reported that Zuma had been pushing for a resignation deal that included his legal fees to fight multiple criminal charges -- but he denied the allegations in his resignation speech. One case against him relates to 783 payments he allegedly received linked to an arms deal before he came to power. Other graft allegations have centred on the three Gupta brothers, who are accused of unfairly obtaining lucrative government contracts and even hand-picking Zuma's ministerial appointments. The political standoff in recent weeks plunged South Africa -- the continent's most developed economy -- into confusion over who was running the country, with last Thursday's annual State of the Nation address cancelled at the last-minute. Ramaphosa will now deliver the address on Friday. Decline of Mandela's party Zuma, a Zulu traditionalist with four wives and a proud singing voice, had been scheduled to stand down next year after serving the maximum two terms. In local polls in 2016, the ANC recorded its worst electoral result since coming to power in 1994 with Mandela at the helm as white-minority rule fell. Ramaphosa, 65, must revive the economy and crack down on what he has admitted is rampant government corruption if he is to boost the party's tarnished reputation before a tricky general election next year. He is a former trade unionist and Mandela ally who led talks to end apartheid in the early 1990s and then became a hugely wealthy businessman before returning to politics. Zuma's hold over the ANC was broken in December when his chosen successor -- his former wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma -- narrowly lost to Ramaphosa in a vote for the new party leader.

Zuma's reluctant exit ushers in new South African president

South African lawmakers on Thursday selected Cyril Ramaphosa as the country&#39;s new president after scandal-tainted Jacob Zuma resigned under pressure from his own ANC ruling party.

Ramaphosa was chosen without a vote after being the only candidate nominated, chief justice Mogoeng Mogoeng told assembled lawmakers at a special sitting of the parliament in Cape Town.

The announcement brought loud cheers from ANC lawmakers, with Ramaphosa due to address the parliament later during proceedings.

Zuma resigned on Wednesday as the ANC finally turned against him after a nine-year reign dominated by corruption scandals, economic slowdown and plummeting electoral popularity.

Zuma railed against the ANC for &quot;recalling&quot; him from office and -- when he at first refused to resign -- then threatening to oust him via a parliament no-confidence vote.

In an earlier TV interview on Wednesday, Zuma said he had received &quot;very unfair&quot; treatment from the party that he joined in 1959 and in which he had fought for decades against apartheid white-minority rule.

Zuma had been in a power struggle with Ramaphosa, his deputy president.

Zuma&#39;s hold over the ANC was broken in December when his chosen successor -- his former wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma -- narrowly lost to Ramaphosa in a vote to become the new party leader.

South African lawmakers on Thursday selected Cyril Ramaphosa as the country's new president after scandal-tainted Jacob Zuma resigned under pressure from his own ANC ruling party. Ramaphosa was chosen without a vote after being the only candidate nominated, chief justice Mogoeng Mogoeng told assembled lawmakers at a special sitting of the parliament in Cape Town. The announcement brought loud cheers from ANC lawmakers, with Ramaphosa due to address the parliament later during proceedings. Zuma resigned on Wednesday as the ANC finally turned against him after a nine-year reign dominated by corruption scandals, economic slowdown and plummeting electoral popularity. Zuma railed against the ANC for "recalling" him from office and -- when he at first refused to resign -- then threatening to oust him via a parliament no-confidence vote. In an earlier TV interview on Wednesday, Zuma said he had received "very unfair" treatment from the party that he joined in 1959 and in which he had fought for decades against apartheid white-minority rule. Zuma had been in a power struggle with Ramaphosa, his deputy president. Zuma's hold over the ANC was broken in December when his chosen successor -- his former wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma -- narrowly lost to Ramaphosa in a vote to become the new party leader.

South African lawmakers elect Cyril Ramaphosa as President

South&nbsp;Africa&#39;s parliament will hold a vote of no-confidence in President Jacob Zuma on Thursday, the ruling ANC party said, signalling its determination to eject him from office after days of stalemate.

&quot;We have now asked the chief whip to proceed with the motion of no confidence tomorrow in parliament... so that President Zuma is then removed,&quot; ANC treasurer-general Paul Mashatile told reporters Wednesday.

He said parliament, where the ANC has a large majority, would then &quot;proceed to elect (Cyril) Ramaphosa as president of the republic&quot; -- perhaps as early as Thursday or Friday.

Zuma, who now faces as ignomious end to his nine scandal-plagued years in power, was expected to respond later on Wednesday to the ANC&#39;s order for him to resign.

&quot;For us, as the ANC leadership, we can no longer wait beyond today,&quot; Mashatile said.

Ramaphosa: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ramaphosa-trade-unionist-tycoon-and-s-africas-next-president-32771" target="_blank">Trade unionist, tycoon and South Africa&#39;s next president?</a>

&quot;If President Zuma at some point will respond, he will respond, but we can&#39;t continue waiting. The decision has been taken and must be implemented.&quot;

The power struggle over Zuma&#39;s departure has put him at loggerheads with deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, his expected successor, who is the new head of the ANC.

As the deadlock escalated, the party on Tuesday &quot;recalled&quot; Zuma from his post after days of failed closed-door negotiations with Ramaphosa.

The African National Congress (ANC) national executive committee reached its decision after meeting for 13 hours at a hotel outside Pretoria.

&quot;Recalling&quot; the head of state is a party-level instruction that the 75-year-old Zuma is under no constitutional obligation to obey.

Police raid 
Earlier Wednesday, police <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/south-african-police-raid-home-of-guptas-friends-of-president-zuma-32846" target="_blank">raided the Johannesburg home of the Gupta business family</a> accused of overseeing a web of corruption under Zuma&#39;s rule.

Police said three unidentified people had been arrested in investigations into &quot;Vrede Farm&quot; -- allegations that millions of dollars of public money meant for poor dairy farmers was siphoned off by the Guptas.

Local media reported that Zuma was pushing for an exit deal that included covering his potentially ruinous legal fees from prolonged court battles against multiple criminal charges.

One case relates to 783 payments he allegedly received linked to an arms deal before he came to power.

Many other graft allegations against him have centred on the three Gupta brothers, who are accused of unfairly obtaining lucrative government contracts and even being able to choose Zuma&#39;s ministerial appointments.

Zuma has admitted he is friends with the Guptas, originally from India, but has denied any wrongdoing.

Susan Booysen, a politics professor at Stellenbosch University, said that Zuma may resign before the vote -- albeit grudgingly.

&quot;I think that he is an angry person... and he is very reluctant to go,&quot; Booysen told AFP.

The political wrangle plunged South Africa -- the continent&#39;s most developed economy -- into confusion over who is running the country, with last week&#39;s annual State of the Nation address cancelled.

Opposition parties have called for early elections as the ANC&#39;s turbulent transfer of power grinds on.

Decline of Mandela&#39;s party 
Zuma&#39;s presidency has been marred by slow economic growth, continuing racial inequality and record unemployment that have fuelled public frustration.

He was scheduled to stand down next year after serving the maximum two terms since coming to power in 2009.

In 2008, Zuma&#39;s supporters pushed out then-president Thabo Mbeki via a similar &quot;recall&quot; manoeuvre over allegations of abuse of power.

In local polls in 2016, the ANC recorded its worst electoral result since coming to power in 1994 with Nelson Mandela at the helm as white-minority rule fell.

Ramaphosa, 65, the deputy president, must revive the economy and crack down on what he has admitted is rampant government corruption if he is to boost the party&#39;s tarnished reputation before a tricky election next year.

He is a former trade unionist and Mandela ally who led talks to end apartheid in the early 1990s and then became a multi-millionaire businessman before returning to politics.

Zuma&#39;s hold over the ANC was shaken in December when his chosen successor -- his former wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma -- narrowly lost to Ramaphosa in a vote for the new party leader.

The ANC has insisted there will be no delay to the budget speech, which is due on February 21.

'We have now asked the chief whip to proceed with the motion of no confidence tomorrow in parliament... so that President Zuma is then removed,' ANC treasurer-general Paul Mashatile said

South Africa's parliament will hold a vote of no-confidence in President Jacob Zuma on Thursday, the ruling ANC party said, signalling its determination to eject him from office after days of stalemate. "We have now asked the chief whip to proceed with the motion of no confidence tomorrow in parliament... so that President Zuma is then removed," ANC treasurer-general Paul Mashatile told reporters Wednesday. He said parliament, where the ANC has a large majority, would then "proceed to elect (Cyril) Ramaphosa as president of the republic" -- perhaps as early as Thursday or Friday. Zuma, who now faces as ignomious end to his nine scandal-plagued years in power, was expected to respond later on Wednesday to the ANC's order for him to resign. "For us, as the ANC leadership, we can no longer wait beyond today," Mashatile said. Ramaphosa: Trade unionist, tycoon and South Africa's next president? "If President Zuma at some point will respond, he will respond, but we can't continue waiting. The decision has been taken and must be implemented." The power struggle over Zuma's departure has put him at loggerheads with deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, his expected successor, who is the new head of the ANC. As the deadlock escalated, the party on Tuesday "recalled" Zuma from his post after days of failed closed-door negotiations with Ramaphosa. The African National Congress (ANC) national executive committee reached its decision after meeting for 13 hours at a hotel outside Pretoria. "Recalling" the head of state is a party-level instruction that the 75-year-old Zuma is under no constitutional obligation to obey. Police raid Earlier Wednesday, police raided the Johannesburg home of the Gupta business family accused of overseeing a web of corruption under Zuma's rule. Police said three unidentified people had been arrested in investigations into "Vrede Farm" -- allegations that millions of dollars of public money meant for poor dairy farmers was siphoned off by the Guptas. Local media reported that Zuma was pushing for an exit deal that included covering his potentially ruinous legal fees from prolonged court battles against multiple criminal charges. One case relates to 783 payments he allegedly received linked to an arms deal before he came to power. Many other graft allegations against him have centred on the three Gupta brothers, who are accused of unfairly obtaining lucrative government contracts and even being able to choose Zuma's ministerial appointments. Zuma has admitted he is friends with the Guptas, originally from India, but has denied any wrongdoing. Susan Booysen, a politics professor at Stellenbosch University, said that Zuma may resign before the vote -- albeit grudgingly. "I think that he is an angry person... and he is very reluctant to go," Booysen told AFP. The political wrangle plunged South Africa -- the continent's most developed economy -- into confusion over who is running the country, with last week's annual State of the Nation address cancelled. Opposition parties have called for early elections as the ANC's turbulent transfer of power grinds on. Decline of Mandela's party Zuma's presidency has been marred by slow economic growth, continuing racial inequality and record unemployment that have fuelled public frustration. He was scheduled to stand down next year after serving the maximum two terms since coming to power in 2009. In 2008, Zuma's supporters pushed out then-president Thabo Mbeki via a similar "recall" manoeuvre over allegations of abuse of power. In local polls in 2016, the ANC recorded its worst electoral result since coming to power in 1994 with Nelson Mandela at the helm as white-minority rule fell. Ramaphosa, 65, the deputy president, must revive the economy and crack down on what he has admitted is rampant government corruption if he is to boost the party's tarnished reputation before a tricky election next year. He is a former trade unionist and Mandela ally who led talks to end apartheid in the early 1990s and then became a multi-millionaire businessman before returning to politics. Zuma's hold over the ANC was shaken in December when his chosen successor -- his former wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma -- narrowly lost to Ramaphosa in a vote for the new party leader. The ANC has insisted there will be no delay to the budget speech, which is due on February 21.

South African MPs set to finally oust Zuma Thursday: ANC

South Africa&#39;s ruling African National Congress (ANC) gave President Jacob Zuma 48 hours to resign as head of state on Monday after an eight-hour meeting of the party&#39;s top leadership, the SABC state broadcaster said. 
 
Party leader Cyril Ramaphosa&#39;s motorcade left a marathon ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at 10:30 p.m. (2030 GMT) for Zuma&#39;s residence near the Union Buildings in Pretoria to deliver the message in person, the SABC said, citing sources. 
 
His motorcade returned an hour later to the venue of the ANC meeting debating Zuma&#39;s fate. 
 
The rand, which has tended to strengthen on signs Zuma could step down before his second term ends next year, extended its gains to 0.7 percent to the dollar on expectations Zuma was on his way out. 
 
ANC officials and Zuma&#39;s spokesman could not be reached to comment. 
 
Since Ramaphosa was elected party leader in December, Zuma has faced mounting calls from his party to end his scandal-plagued second term a year early. 
 
The NEC meeting in a Pretoria hotel had all the ingredients for a showdown between Zuma stalwarts and those backing a swift transfer of power to Ramaphosa, the deputy state president.

Ramaphosa, 65, says he has held direct talks with Zuma over a transfer of power, and said on Sunday the meeting of the party&#39;s executive committee would be aiming on Monday to &quot;finalise&quot; the situation. 
 
The party executive has the authority to order Zuma to step down as head of state, although there is domestic media speculation that he might yet refuse. 
 
Zuma survived calls last year from within the NEC for him to quit.[L8N1IU0QO] But analysts say there is greater support for him to step down now. 
 
His tenure as president officially runs until mid-2019 and he has not said publicly whether he will step down voluntarily. 
 
The president is also facing a no-confidence motion in parliament set for Feb. 22, but has survived several similar attempts to oust him in the past. 
 
His entire Cabinet would have to step down if the motion of no-confidence against him was successful. 
 
Since becoming president in 2009, Zuma has been dogged by scandal. He is fighting the reinstatement of 783 counts of corruption over a 30 billion-rand (now $2.5 billion) government arms deal arranged in the late 1990s when he was deputy president. 
 
Some within the ANC and the opposition say the Gupta family, friends of Zuma, have used their links with the president to win state contracts and influence Cabinet appointments. The Guptas and Zuma have denied any wrongdoing. 
 
India&#39;s Bank of Baroda, which counts the Guptas as clients, has announced plans to exit South Africa, the central bank said on Monday.

<a href="javascript:void(0);">COMMENTS</a>

Ramaphosa has put the focus on rooting out corruption and revitalising economic growth since defeating Zuma&#39;s preferred successor, Zuma&#39;s ex-wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, in the ANC leadership race.

The decision was taken after an eight-hour meeting of the party's top leadership

South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) gave President Jacob Zuma 48 hours to resign as head of state on Monday after an eight-hour meeting of the party's top leadership, the SABC state broadcaster said. Party leader Cyril Ramaphosa's motorcade left a marathon ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at 10:30 p.m. (2030 GMT) for Zuma's residence near the Union Buildings in Pretoria to deliver the message in person, the SABC said, citing sources. His motorcade returned an hour later to the venue of the ANC meeting debating Zuma's fate. The rand, which has tended to strengthen on signs Zuma could step down before his second term ends next year, extended its gains to 0.7 percent to the dollar on expectations Zuma was on his way out. ANC officials and Zuma's spokesman could not be reached to comment. Since Ramaphosa was elected party leader in December, Zuma has faced mounting calls from his party to end his scandal-plagued second term a year early. The NEC meeting in a Pretoria hotel had all the ingredients for a showdown between Zuma stalwarts and those backing a swift transfer of power to Ramaphosa, the deputy state president. Ramaphosa, 65, says he has held direct talks with Zuma over a transfer of power, and said on Sunday the meeting of the party's executive committee would be aiming on Monday to "finalise" the situation. The party executive has the authority to order Zuma to step down as head of state, although there is domestic media speculation that he might yet refuse. Zuma survived calls last year from within the NEC for him to quit.[L8N1IU0QO] But analysts say there is greater support for him to step down now. His tenure as president officially runs until mid-2019 and he has not said publicly whether he will step down voluntarily. The president is also facing a no-confidence motion in parliament set for Feb. 22, but has survived several similar attempts to oust him in the past. His entire Cabinet would have to step down if the motion of no-confidence against him was successful. Since becoming president in 2009, Zuma has been dogged by scandal. He is fighting the reinstatement of 783 counts of corruption over a 30 billion-rand (now $2.5 billion) government arms deal arranged in the late 1990s when he was deputy president. Some within the ANC and the opposition say the Gupta family, friends of Zuma, have used their links with the president to win state contracts and influence Cabinet appointments. The Guptas and Zuma have denied any wrongdoing. India's Bank of Baroda, which counts the Guptas as clients, has announced plans to exit South Africa, the central bank said on Monday. COMMENTS Ramaphosa has put the focus on rooting out corruption and revitalising economic growth since defeating Zuma's preferred successor, Zuma's ex-wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, in the ANC leadership race.

South Africa's ruling party gives President Jacob Zuma 48 hours to quit: State Broadcaster

Efforts by South Africa&#39;s ruling African National Congress (ANC) to unseat President Jacob Zuma tilted towards the end game on Wednesday as the speaker of parliament said party leader Cyril Ramaphosa would outline Zuma&#39;s fate imminently.

Zuma, in power since 2009, has been in a weakened position since Deputy President Ramaphosa replaced him as ANC leader in December.

The ANC had scheduled an urgent meeting of its national executive on Wednesday evening to discuss Zuma&#39;s future but postponed it late on Tuesday after &quot;constructive&quot; talks between Zuma and Ramaphosa.

The delay increased speculation that a deal for Zuma to resign had been ironed out. Times Live, an online news service, quoted sources as saying Zuma would resign as soon as a list of preconditions had been finalised.

Speaker Baleka Mbete suggested South Africans would learn of Zuma&#39;s fate within hours.

&quot;In this day there will be some progress which the president of the ANC will be ready to come back to us about,&quot; she told the eNCA television channel.

Zuma&#39;s spokesman declined to comment.

Zuma engineered the ouster of former president Thabo Mbeki in 2008 shortly after taking over the helm of the ANC. He has not said whether he will resign voluntarily before his second term as president ends next year.

The 75-year-old has been South Africa&#39;s most controversial president since the end of white-minority rule in 1994, overseeing a tumultuous nine years marked by economic decline and numerous allegations of corruption.

Some within the ANC and the opposition say the Gupta family, friends of Zuma, have used their links with the president to influence cabinet appointments and win state tenders.

The Guptas and Zuma have denied any wrongdoing but the allegations are the focus of a judicial enquiry.

Speaker Baleka Mbete suggested South Africans would learn of Zuma's fate within hours.

Efforts by South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) to unseat President Jacob Zuma tilted towards the end game on Wednesday as the speaker of parliament said party leader Cyril Ramaphosa would outline Zuma's fate imminently. Zuma, in power since 2009, has been in a weakened position since Deputy President Ramaphosa replaced him as ANC leader in December. The ANC had scheduled an urgent meeting of its national executive on Wednesday evening to discuss Zuma's future but postponed it late on Tuesday after "constructive" talks between Zuma and Ramaphosa. The delay increased speculation that a deal for Zuma to resign had been ironed out. Times Live, an online news service, quoted sources as saying Zuma would resign as soon as a list of preconditions had been finalised. Speaker Baleka Mbete suggested South Africans would learn of Zuma's fate within hours. "In this day there will be some progress which the president of the ANC will be ready to come back to us about," she told the eNCA television channel. Zuma's spokesman declined to comment. Zuma engineered the ouster of former president Thabo Mbeki in 2008 shortly after taking over the helm of the ANC. He has not said whether he will resign voluntarily before his second term as president ends next year. The 75-year-old has been South Africa's most controversial president since the end of white-minority rule in 1994, overseeing a tumultuous nine years marked by economic decline and numerous allegations of corruption. Some within the ANC and the opposition say the Gupta family, friends of Zuma, have used their links with the president to influence cabinet appointments and win state tenders. The Guptas and Zuma have denied any wrongdoing but the allegations are the focus of a judicial enquiry.

End-game looms for South Africa's President Jacob Zuma

If South African lawmakers vote in favour of Tuesday&#39;s no-confidence motion in President Jacob Zuma, he will be forced to resign along with his entire cabinet.

But the process has no precedent in South Africa, and it throws up thorny questions about the constitution and the political turmoil that would be triggered by a shock victory for his opponents.

After the president resigns, the parliamentary Speaker would become acting president and the national assembly would then have to elect a new president from its members within 30 days.

The ruling ANC party has a large majority in the house, and would choose the incoming national leader. But the party could be torn apart by the ousting of Zuma and the debate over who should succeed him.

Analysts say that MPs might back deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa -- while the party&#39;s executive might go for another candidate such as the Speaker herself, Baleka Mbete.

Ramaphosa&#39;s main rival Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Zuma&#39;s former wife, would not be eligible as she is not a lawmaker at present.

&quot;Passing a vote of no confidence may create chaos within the governing ANC,&quot; constitutional law expert Pierre de Vos wrote in the Daily Maverick online news site.

Divisions between MPs and the party executive &quot;could lead to instability and even open warfare,&quot; he said.

&#39;All hell would break out&#39; 
A long power struggle could also ensue if the ANC executive tried to ensure victory for its preferred candidate by replacing current MPs with new loyal members.

&quot;ANC MPs against whom action is taken would be able to approach the courts to challenge the expulsion. The process could drag on for years,&quot; said de Vos.

The timing of the vote adds to the uncertainty, as the ANC is already entering a period of change.

Zuma is due to resign as ANC party chief in December, and he must step down as national president ahead of the 2019 general election.

If he is ousted on Tuesday, &quot;all hell would break out within the party ahead of its conference in December,&quot; said Roger Southall, a professor at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.

&quot;The ANC would be at war with itself, with little or no prospect of it facing the electorate in 2019 in one piece.&quot;

Zuma is widely seen as preparing the ground for his ex-wife Dlamini-Zuma to succeed him as party chief in December and then as national president.

But if -- against the odds -- he was forced out of the office by the vote, all bets would be off.

Opposition parties, led by the centrist Democratic Alliance and the radical Economic Freedom Fighters, hope the turmoil could mean the once all-powerful ANC is defeated or forced into coalition in the 2019 election.

Zuma is due to resign as ANC party chief in December, and he must step down as national president ahead of the 2019 general election

If South African lawmakers vote in favour of Tuesday's no-confidence motion in President Jacob Zuma, he will be forced to resign along with his entire cabinet. But the process has no precedent in South Africa, and it throws up thorny questions about the constitution and the political turmoil that would be triggered by a shock victory for his opponents. After the president resigns, the parliamentary Speaker would become acting president and the national assembly would then have to elect a new president from its members within 30 days. The ruling ANC party has a large majority in the house, and would choose the incoming national leader. But the party could be torn apart by the ousting of Zuma and the debate over who should succeed him. Analysts say that MPs might back deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa -- while the party's executive might go for another candidate such as the Speaker herself, Baleka Mbete. Ramaphosa's main rival Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Zuma's former wife, would not be eligible as she is not a lawmaker at present. "Passing a vote of no confidence may create chaos within the governing ANC," constitutional law expert Pierre de Vos wrote in the Daily Maverick online news site. Divisions between MPs and the party executive "could lead to instability and even open warfare," he said. 'All hell would break out' A long power struggle could also ensue if the ANC executive tried to ensure victory for its preferred candidate by replacing current MPs with new loyal members. "ANC MPs against whom action is taken would be able to approach the courts to challenge the expulsion. The process could drag on for years," said de Vos. The timing of the vote adds to the uncertainty, as the ANC is already entering a period of change. Zuma is due to resign as ANC party chief in December, and he must step down as national president ahead of the 2019 general election. If he is ousted on Tuesday, "all hell would break out within the party ahead of its conference in December," said Roger Southall, a professor at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. "The ANC would be at war with itself, with little or no prospect of it facing the electorate in 2019 in one piece." Zuma is widely seen as preparing the ground for his ex-wife Dlamini-Zuma to succeed him as party chief in December and then as national president. But if -- against the odds -- he was forced out of the office by the vote, all bets would be off. Opposition parties, led by the centrist Democratic Alliance and the radical Economic Freedom Fighters, hope the turmoil could mean the once all-powerful ANC is defeated or forced into coalition in the 2019 election.

What happens if Zuma loses South Africa parliament vote?

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