South Africa President asks his deputy to delay his resignation

South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa has asked his deputy, David Mabuza, to remain in his position until a transition is finalised.

Mabuza is reported to have told a funeral gathering on Saturday that the president had “accepted” his resignation and that an announcement on his departure was coming.

He said he believed it was logical for him to give way to Paul Mashatile, who was elected in December as the ruling ANC party’s deputy president.

But the presidency spokesman on Sunday said the president wanted Mabuza to remain until the transition process was finalized.

Mashatile is due to be sworn in as an MP on Monday. His entry to parliament will pave the way for the president to name him as the country’s deputy president.

Ramaphosa is due to deliver his state of the nation address in Cape Town on Thursday.