South Africa’s Vice President, Cyril Ramaphosa is set to take over the leadership of the country’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) after wiring what has been described as the most divisive election in the country’s political history.

After several hours of tension at the ANC’s 54th congress held in Nasrec, Southern Johanesburg, Mr. Ramaphosa who is highly respected as a skillful negotiator narrowly defeated Nkosazana Dlamini, President Zuma’s former wife after a recount of votes.

The 55-year-old Ramaphosa defeated Dlamini-Zuma, who had been backed by the President by 2,440 votes as against the 2,261 amassed by Mrs. Zuma.