Key South Africa ministers resign

More than a third of South Africa's Cabinet stepped down yesterday after President Thabo Mbeki resigned, deepening the biggest political crisis since the end of apartheid.

The list of resignations included respected Finance Minister Trevor Manuel, immediately shaking markets, which later recovered when his office said he was ready to serve under a new president.

The resignation of the 10 ministers and deputy president, out of a Cabinet of 30, followed Mbeki's decision on Sunday to step down after his ruling African National Congress party (ANC) withdrew its support.

The demise of Mbeki was the climax of a long and bitter battle with rival Jacob Zuma - who toppled him as ANC leader in December - which has seriously split the formerly monolithic party.

Parliament is expected to appoint deputy ANC leader Kgalema Motlanthe as interim president tomorrow until a general election next year which Zuma is widely expected to win.

Mbeki's resignation followed accusations of meddling in a long running corruption case against his rival.

Treasury spokeswoman Thoraya Pandy said Manuel had "resigned as a member of the Cabinet and felt duty bound to do so as he served at the pleasure of the president.

"However, the minister has indicated a strong willingness to assist and to serve the new administration in whatever capacity they may ask of him."

An internal South African Revenue Service (SARS) memo to staff said Manuel would not leave office and appealed to them to remain calm. The SARS is part of the Treasury.

Several analysts have criticized the way in which Manuel's resignation was initially announced without mentioning his willingness to serve under a new president.

Nevertheless the resignations as a whole are likely to raise investor fears of political instability in Africa's biggest economy.

Zuma has tried to reassure foreign investors he would not bow to pressure from leftist union allies to shift away from business-friendly policies.

He has made clear his backing for Motlanthe and pledged on Monday that the party would ensure a smooth transition and unchanged economic policy.

But the ANC has suffered unprecedented divisions because of the long struggle between Mbeki and Zuma.

Helen Zille, leader of the opposition Democratic Alliance, attacked the ANC over the resignation of qualified ministers.

"[The fact] that the ANC is willing to sacrifice them and risk our country's stability in order to wreak revenge on the president, speaks volumes about its lack of commitment to a stable government,".

Questions:

1. What is the name of South African President who just resigned?

2. Who is likely to replace him as President?

3. Which country has the biggest economy in Africa?

Answers:

1. Thabo Mbeki.

2. African National Congress party leader Jacob Zuma, his rival.

3. South Africa.