I don't believe it. I've just read that Thabo Mbeki, South Africa's president is going to step down after being asked to by the ANC's National Executive Committee. Apparently this is "an effort to heal and unite the ANC", the county's ruling party.

Whilst I agree South Africa hasn't seen the changes at the rate everyone wanted or expected, I can't help but feel this is unnecessary grandstanding by the party, especially as Thabo Mbeki has less than a year left in office anyway. The general election will still take place next year, so what difference can be made in the mean time?

I'm sure we'll hear more about this over the coming weeks. I only hope the neigh-sayers are wrong. I really don't want to see South Africa going the way of other prosperous African countries. I hope for everyone's sake Jacob Zuma proves the world wrong and proves he is a good leader.