Jacob Zuma has officially resigned as President of South Africa with immediate effect.

The 75-year-old has ruled the country since 2009, and was due to complete his second term in 2019.

His resignation comes following a Monday decision by the ruling ANC Party to remove him from office.

While resigning, he said he disagreed with the leadership of the ANC to remove him from office, saying he had always been a disciplined member of the party.

“No life should be lost in my name and also the ANC should never be divided in my name. I have therefore come to the decision to resign as president of the republic with immediate effect even though I disagree with the decision of the leadership of my organization. I have always been a disciplined member of the ANC,” he said.

“As I leave, I will continue to serve the people of South Africa as well as the ANC – the organization I have served all of my life. I will dedicate all my energy to work towards the attainment of the policies of our organization in particular radical the radical economic transformation agenda,” he added.

Earlier on Wednesday, Zuma had held a press briefing saying he had done nothing wrong.

“It was very unfair to me that this issue is raised,” Zuma said during an interview with state broadcaster SABC.

“Nobody has ever provided the reasons. Nobody is saying what I have done,” he added.