The South African President, Thabo Mbeki, has announced that he has sacked his deputy, Jacob Zuma.
Mr Zuma's position has been under threat since he was implicated in the trial of his former financial adviser, Schabir Shaik, who was convicted of fraud and corruption.
Mr Shaik had solicited a bribe for Mr Zuma from a French arms manufacturer. Mr Zuma asserts that he is innocent.
Meanwhile, former South African President Nelson Mandela has voiced support for President Mbeki.
Mr Mandela said: 'While we are naturally deeply saddened that a person who played such a major contribution in our liberation and democracy had to come to this point in his life and career, we fully support the president in the difficult times in the life of our government, nation and organisation.'
