Cyril Ramaphosa is due to become South Africa’s president after embattled leader Jacob Zuma resigned.
Mr Zuma was under intense pressure from his own ANC party, which told him to step down or face a vote of no-confidence in parliament.
In a televised statement he said he was quitting with immediate effect but said he disagreed with the party’s decision.
Mr Zuma faces numerous corruption allegations but denies any wrongdoing.
As deputy president, Mr Ramaphosa automatically became acting president when Mr Zuma stood down.
A government statement says the National Assembly will elect a new president of South Africa in Cape Town on Thursday afternoon.
Source:BBC
