By Claire Soares The ANC leader Jacob Zuma has sought to reassure South Africans there would be a smooth transition of power following the ousting of President Thabo Mbeki, but left them waiting to hear who will act as caretaker-president until next year's elections.

President Thabo Mbeki went on national television Sunday to announce his resignation and deny that he pressured prosecutors to go after rival Jacob Zuma, whose supporters forced the South African leader from office. Mbeki's departure leaves the ruling African National Congress bitterly divided.

Text of report by London-based opposition newzimbabwe.com website on 22 September [Report by Clare Nullis: "Mbeki Resigns After Losing Power Struggle"] South African President Thabo Mbeki told the nation Sunday that he had resigned, having lost a power struggle to a rival tainted by allegations of corruption but poised now to lead the country.

South African President Thabo Mbeki officially delivered his resignation to the parliamentary speaker Sunday, ending his term in office. The Times in Johannesburg, South Africa, reported Mbeki's resignation followed the African National Congress national executive committee's decision to oust him.

Text of report by South African newspaper The Star