Deputy President David Mabuza has resigned as a Member of Parliament, ending his term as Deputy President of the country.

The resignation follows his request to President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down from the position of Deputy President, which Ramaphosa announced in his reply during this year’s State of the Nation Address debate.

Ramaphosa expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Mabuza.

“The Deputy President has undertaken the responsibilities of his office with dedication. I am grateful for the support he has provided to me throughout his term and for the leadership he has provided to the work of government,” Ramaphosa said.

He said Mabuza’s contribution has been valued by the many constituencies with which he has engaged, including traditional leaders, military veterans, civil society formations and international bodies.

“As Leader of Government Business, he has ably managed the relationship between the Executive and Parliament, working to ensure that the transformative legislative programme of this administration is advanced,” he added.

Ramaphosa will make an announcement in due course about the appointment of the new Deputy President.