BREAKING NEWS:SA's Mbeki says he will step down

South African President Thabo Mbeki will accept a call to resign by the governing African National Congress (ANC), his spokesman has said.

"Following the decision of the national executive committee of the African National Congress to recall President Thabo Mbeki, the president has obliged and will step down after all constitutional requirements have been met," the presidency said.The move could collapse the government and prompt early elections.Mbeki has been mired in accusations that he conspired to undermine ANC leader Jacob Zuma.“Our movement has been through a trying period and we are determined to heal the rift that might exist. In light of this and after a long and difficult discussion, the ANC has decided to recall the president of the republic before his term of office expires," ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe told reporters inKempton Park on the East Rand."Our decision has been communicated to him," said Mantashe.Mantashe said that Mbeki's reaction to the news was "normal"."He didn't display shock or any depression. He welcomed the news and agreed that he is going to participate in the parliamentary process. If I said he was excited I would be exaggerating."Presidency spokesperson Mukoni Ratshitanga said Mbeki had accepted the decision.