South African President Thabo Mbeki agreed to resign after the ruling party ordered him Saturday to step down, a move that could heighten turmoil in Africa's economic powerhouse.

Mbeki's rival and heir apparent Jacob Zuma was not expected to take over immediately. Another figure in the ruling African National Congress could be named interim president by parliament.

"Following the decision of the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress to recall President Thabo Mbeki, the President has obliged and will step down after all constitutional requirements have been met," the presidency said in a terse statement.

The following is the full statement issued by the National Executive Committee of the ANC on the sacking of Thabo Mbeki as the president of South Africa.

Over the past two days, the National Executive Committee of the ANC has deliberated on the Pietermaritzburg Court judgement on the 12th of September by Judge Chris Nicholson.

In particular, we have focused on the implications of the judgement for our movement, and for our people as a whole.

The judgement has had a profound impact on many aspects of our legal system. It has obviously also had an impact on the affairs of the ANC.

We wish to assert to you that our most important task as a revolutionary movement is the stability of our country and the unity and cohesion of the ANC. Our movement has been through a trying period and we are determined to heal the rifts that may exist.

In the light of this, and after a long and difficult discussion, the ANC has decided to recall the President of the Republic before his term of office expires.

Our decision has been communicated to him.

The formalities are now subject of a Parliamentary process and, we can assure you, will take place in a way which ensures smooth running of government.

We acknowledge with deep admiration all the great strides our country has made under the stewardship of President Mbeki. He remains a loyal cadre of our movement and we will continue to work closely with him on matters relating to our desire to achieve a developmental state.

We will follow with precision all the constitutional requirements to ensure that interim arrangements are in place to ensure the smooth running of the government.

In the coming days, the President of the ANC will meet with ANC deployees in government to assure them that the NEC would wish for them to remain in Government.