SA NEW PRESIDENT

South Africa has elected a new president as the country is gripped by its most serious political crisis since the end of apartheid.
Kgalema Motlanthe replaces Thabo Mbeki, who quit after the African National Congress (ANC) withdrew support following claims of interference in a corruption case against party leader Jacob Zuma.
The former freedom fighter was elected as interim president until elections next year.
Almost one-third of South Africa's cabinet have stepped down out of loyalty to Mbeki, raising concerns of a deepening crisis in the ANC.
The former trade unionist is seen as a unifying figure who might be able to heal some of the deep rifts in the ruling party and the country following Mr Mbeki's ousting.
Mbeki did not attend the swearing in ceremony of his successor in a sign of the political tensions.
"Mbeki was invited but has declined," confirmed a parliament official.
The resignations have raised questions about whether the party - which was united in the struggle against apartheid - can survive.
The departure of Mbeki was the climax of a long and bitter battle with Zuma, who toppled him as ANC leader last December.Their power struggle has overshadowed pressing issues such as widespread poverty and crime, and an AIDS epidemic ravaging millions.