South Africa's Jacob Zuma reportedly on the cusp of resignation

Jacob Zuma, South Africa's controversial President, was said to be in the middle of talks with the African National Congress' new leader Cyril Ramaphosa over a transition of power, with one source saying Zuma would resign as soon as a list of preconditions had been ironed out.

Zuma, who has had allegations of corruption follow him ever since taking the role in 2009, saw his position weakened after Ramaphosa took over from him as ANC leader in December, a change that held the potential to bring to an end his near decade-long reign, South Africa's most controversial time since the end of apartheid.

Ramphosa said that he and Zuma had kicked off discussions on Tuesday night and aimed to wrap them up "in the coming days".

"We will be able to communicate further on President Zuma's position as President of the Republic once we have finalised all pertinent matters," Ramaphosa said.

"This is a challenging time for our country. Both President Zuma and myself are aware that our people want and deserve closure. The constructive process we have embarked on offers the greatest opportunity to conclude this matter without discord or division," he continued.

After word of the contacts began to spread, the ANC, which has the power to instruct Zuma to resign, delayed an urgent meeting that was set for Wednesday evening.

Times Live, a South African web-based news service, quoted multiple sources as saying Zuma would soon stand down as soon as a list of preconditions had been finalised.

Ramaphosa said he understood that the uncertainty circling Zuma's future would be a cause for concern for many South Africans, but remained confident that the pair could reach an outcome that would unite the country.