South Africa’s deputy president to step down – Ramaphosa

South Africa’s deputy president, David Mabuza, is to step down, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday as he prepares to shake up his cabinet.
The South African leader addressing parliament in Cape Town told lawmakers that his deputy told him he wishes to step down from his position.
The President thanked David Mabuza, 62, for his “unwavering support” over the last five years, during which he said the pair had worked “side-by-side”.
Mabuza’s resignation is not a surprise as he himself said earlier this month at his brother’s funeral that he had tendered his resignation.
Paul Mashatile, 61, ruling African National Congress’s former treasurer is widely expected to take over from him, reports say.
Mashatile was elected to the influential post of ANC’s deputy president in December.
The appointment gives him a stepping stone to becoming No. 2 to Ramaphosa in the state presidential hierarchy.
The resignation also comes as Ramaphosa is readying to reshuffle his government team after the publication of the annual budget next week.