Analysts have reacted strongly to the news that Deputy President Jacob Zuma has been fired from his position.

Analysts have reacted strongly to the news that Deputy President Jacob Zuma has been fired from his position.

John Stremlau, Head of International Relations, University of the Witswatersrand

"It’s a defining moment for South African democracy, and it reaffirms South Africa as Africa’s last great hope. He showed great leadership here ... he did it in a very diplomatic way. There was a real danger with Zuma appealing to popularism that this would shift from liberalism to illiberal popularism."

"This will stand very well with the international community, with business, with the G8, but it was directed at South Africans."

"Not only is Africa on the G8 agenda, but South Africa is one of only five countries being invited to that meeting (in Scotland in July) and that to go there with this behind them is a big plus."

Sipho Seepe, Political analyst at Henley Management College

"I think the president was very gracious in his approach because he had to be aware of the impact that his announcement would make. He had to cushion it by referring to Jacob Zuma as a comrade and as a friend he has known during hard times."

"He is also arguing that he is compelled to uphold his constitutional mandate to protect and respect the various state organs including the judiciary. He is also showing the international community that he walks the talk and is committed to a corruption-free government."

"If someone as highly placed as the deputy president can be removed from office on the basis of alleged improprieties then all those who hold public office are not immune."

Razia Khan, Chief Economist Africa, Standard Chartered Bank

"It will be seen as the right thing for South Africa, but with limited market impact overall. If, for some reason, the vice president had been kept on despite all the allegations, that might have been rand negative, but given the presidency seems to have reacted the way people anticipated, I think we’re left with the situation where the currency probably isn’t going to move a great deal on the back of this news."

South African Chamber of Business

The SA Chamber of Business believes President Thabo Mbeki made the right move in "releasing" his deputy Jacob Zuma from his duties." Sacob economist Bill Lacey said that although Zuma was not found guilty of corruption in a court, Mbeki's move showed a commitment to transparency and to vigorously tackle corruption.

Ben Kalua, Professor of Economics, University of Malawi

"Mbeki has always dilly-dallied in acting on governance issues in countries like Zimbabwe, but this action on Zuma today is in line with Nepad’s (New Partnership for Africa’s Development) flagship, the peer review programme ... it also sends a good signal to the upcoming G8 summit in Scotland and sets the pace to other countries in Nepad."

Kwamchetsi Makokha, Deputy Managing Editor and Columnist, The Standard Newspaper, Nairobi

"Just as well Mbeki has done this because it was going to be very embarrassing. I think this leads the way for Africa. But it is doubtful that the example will be followed by other African leaders."

"I believe that political survival has always tended to supercede principle in African politics."

"I think what Mbeki has done is a good thing for those who insist on good governance and showing that Africa can govern itself properly."

With acknowledgement to Reuters, Sapa and Business Day.