Mandela’s foundation says Zuma ‘needs to go’

The Nelson Mandela Foundation says South Africa’s scandal-tainted President Jacob Zuma must go “sooner rather than later” and any delay would lead to violent conflict.

Mr Zuma’s departure would not be enough to address deep-rooted corruption in one of Africa’s most developed countries, the not-for-profit group said.

The organisation promotes the legacy of South Africa’s anti-apartheid leader and first black president. The group first called for Mr Zuma to resign more than a year ago.

The president has been enmeshed in a series of scandals but denies wrongdoing. Many members of the ruling African National Congress party have turned against him.

The speaker of South Africa’s parliament says the state of the nation address that was to be delivered by Mr Zuma tomorrow will be postponed. Speaker Baleka Mbete said the decision to postpone the speech was made in the “best interests” of South Africa.