South Africa's ruling party, ANC elects Cyril Ramaphosa as new leader to succeed Jacob Zuma

South Africa's ruling party, African National Congress (ANC) has elected Cyril Ramaphosa to succeed President Jacob Zuma as the party's leader.

The country's deputy president defeated former cabinet minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Mr Zuma's ex-wife, after a marathon voting process making him a strong position to become president in 2019 polls.

The leadership battle caused fierce political infighting, raising fears the party might split before the election. Mr Ramaphosa defeated Ms Dlamini-Zuma by 2,440 votes to 2,261, an ANC spokesperson announced.

The result triggered celebrations among party delegates in Johannesburg and also on the streets of the city. Media reports said earlier that the announcement had been delayed, with Ms Dlamini-Zuma's camp demanding a recount.