Current Affairs Feb 2018 - Resignations

1 - Jacob Zuma resigned as South Africa's president

South Africa's embattled President Jacob Zuma has resigned after the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party threatened to eject him from office via a parliamentary vote of no confidence.

Zuma was the country's President for the last 9 years. Mr Zuma's resignation followed weeks of intense public pressure to step down amid long-standing corruption allegations. He led the country for more than a third of its time after apartheid. The country's Parliament elected Mr Ramaphosa as the new President.

2 - Ethiopian PM Hailemariam Desalegn resigned

Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn has submitted a letter of resignation. He resigned amid protracted anti-government protests. Hundreds of people have died in three years of anti-government protests. He also stepped down as chairman of the ruling coalition.

Ethiopian Foreign Minister Workneh Gebeyehu is considered to be a leading candidate to take over as new Prime Minister. Hailemariam has led Ethiopia since 2012, after the death of former leader Meles Zenawi.

3 - Australia’s most-capped female player Alex Blackwell announced retirement

Australia's most-capped female player and vice-captain Alex Blackwell announced her retirement from international and state cricket. She made her debut in an ODI against England in 2003. She represented Australia for a total of 251 matches across all three formats.

Alex led Australia to victory at the ICC Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies in 2010. She was also a member of Australia's World T20 winning sides in 2012 and 2014. She has two World Cup trophies from 2005 and 2013.