South African President Thabo Mbeki has sacked his deputy Jacob Zuma.
Mr Zuma has been implicated in a high-profile corruption trial, and Mr Mbeki's move is seen strengthening Africa's declared drive against corruption.
"I've come to the conclusion that . . . in the interests of the honourable deputy president, the government and our young democratic system . . . it will be best to release honourable Jacob Zuma from his responsibilities as deputy president of the republic and member of the cabinet," Mr Mbeki told a joint session of parliament.
Mr Zuma's former financial adviser, Schabir Shaik, was convicted of corruption and fraud this month in a Durban High Court ruling that also implicated Mr Zuma and said the pair's relationship was "generally corrupt".
Mr Zuma, popular with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) rank and file as well as its trade union and communist allies, had refused to step down saying he believed he had committed no crime and had not been tried in a court of law.
Mr Mbeki said he would name Zuma's successor in due course. Mr Zuma was not present in parliament, but is due to address the media later today.
Analysts said Mr Mbeki's actions showed he was ready to deal firmly with corruption, a vexing subject for international donors, lenders and companies looking to invest in Africa.
"It's a defining moment for South African democracy, and it reaffirms South Africa as Africa's last great hope. He showed great leadership," said John Stremlau, head of international relations at Johannesburg's University of the Witwatersrand.
Mr Stremlau said the move would boost Mr Mbeki's standing when he meets leaders of the most industrialised countries at next month's G8 summit at Gleneagles in Scotland.