President Cyril Ramaphosa has not accepted deputy president David Mabuza’s resignation

In Johannesburg: President Cyril Ramaphosa has not accepted deputy president David Mabuza’s resignation.

Instead, Ramaphosa has asked his second in command to remain in his position until the management of his “departure and transition” is finalised.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya on Sunday said: “Deputy President Mabuza has expressed his desire to step down from his position, following the outcome of the governing party’s leadership elections in December 2022.

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“However, President Ramaphosa has requested the deputy president to remain in his role until such time the modalities of his departure and transition have been finalised.”

Ramaphosa finally broke his silence on the matter after Mabuza told mourners at a funeral service in Mpumalanga on Saturday that the president had “accepted” his resignation and that an announcement on his departure was looming.

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The dramatic turn of events takes place days before Ramaphosa delivers his state of the nation address in Cape Town on Thursday. The swearing-in of ANC deputy president Paul Mashatile as MP, is expected to take place on Monday.