LISTEN: Zikalala says resignation decision was made 'consciously and expeditiously'

He confirmed on Friday that he's stepping down from the top job.

"Once a cadre becomes a centre of any matter that does not take forward the execution of the revolution, that member ought to undertake a conscious self-assessment on whether he or she still assists the organisation to implement its programme,” he told the media. 

"In this regard, members of the ANC are expected to do everything to strengthen our movement and avoid any action that can weaken the organisation or derail the struggle." 

The ANC in KZN earlier confirmed that Zikalala offered his resignation to the party's provincial executive committee on Thursday.

"I have taken this decision consciously and expeditiously so that there is no doubt about the strategic direction that the movement and the government should be taking going forward."

READ: Sihle Zikalala resigns as KZN premier

"I do believe that in the period that we have been entrusted to serve the people of our province by the ANC, we have honoured our responsibility." 

Last month, Zikalala failed in his bid to be reelected party provincial chairperson, losing the vote to Siboniso Duma.

The ANC in KZN has announced Nomusa Dube-Ncube as the first preferred candidate to take over as premier.

It's also put forward the names of Mbali Fraizer and Amanda Bani.

Interviews are expected to begin on Saturday.