South African president sacks his deputy

This comes after the trial of Zuma's financial adviser, Schabir Shaik, appeared to implicate the deputy president in corruption.

Mbeki said that in the light of the need to defend South Africa's young democracy, "it would be best to release Jacob Zuma of his responsibilities".

Zuma was once seen as the heir apparent to the presidency, and remains a popular figure.

Addressing a special sitting of parliament, Mbeki emphasised that Zuma must be presumed innocent, and that Shaik's conviction could yet be overturned on appeal.

But he concluded: "As president of the republic, I have come to the conclusion that the circumstances dictate that in the interest of the honourable deputy president, the government, our young democratic system and our country, it would be best to release the honourable Jacob Zuma from his responsibilities as deputy president of the republic and member of the cabinet."

Tony Leon, leader of the opposition Democratic Alliance, immediately praised Mbeki for valuing "principle over politics".