Thabo Mbeki, the President of South Africa, announced on Sunday, September 21, 2008 that he has resigned from his post. Mbeki made this decision after a week of pressure following a September 12 court verdict that threw out a corruption case against his political rival Jacob Zuma. It was hinted by a judge that the government of Thabo Mbeki attempted interfering in the decision of the court pertaining the prosecution of the ANC chief.

In a very dignified speech, Thabo Mbeki talked about his nine-year stint as South African president. He mentioned that his resignation letter has been forwarded to the speaker of the parliament to tender his ' resignation from the high position of President of the Republic of South Africa.' He added that he will step down from his post on the date stated by the parliament, which will soon convene to elect an interim president.

There was still seven months to go before the conclusion of Thabo Mbeki's second term. Baleka Mbete, the National Assembly speaker who is also chairwoman of the African National Congress, is widely tipped to become the interim head of state, making way for Mbeki's rival Jacob Zuma to take over after the elections.