South Africa’s  president, Jacob Zuma  has announced his resignation via a televised address to the nation.

“I have to come to decision to resign with immediate effect,” he said on Wednesday in Pretoria.

Zuma’s resignation followed weeks of intense pressure on him to step down following  corruption allegations.

His presidency was marred by scandals and corruption allegations, making him the most controversial South African president since the end of apartheid.

He is however generally considered to be one of the party’s greatest stalwarts and a freedom fighter. He served  10 years in prison with the legendary Nelson Mandela and lived in exile before returning to South Africa in 1990.

The ruling African National Congress (ANC) asked Zuma to resign on Tuesday. He objected initially, saying he did not understand the reason for the resignation call. The party later announced plans to work on a no confidence vote against him on Thursday in parliament.