The decision to order Mr Zuma’s “recall” – which means to remove from office – came at the end of a 13-hour meeting of its National Executive Committee.

The move, which does not force Mr Zuma to stand down but makes it clear he does not have his party’s support, followed days of negotiation between the country’s President and the ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa.

A source told the Reuters news agency: “We decided to recall Zuma.”

The source added: “The discussions were tense and difficult on whether to recall Zuma.”

South Africa’s state broadcaster SABC quoted sources as saying that Mr Ramaphosa had met Mr Zuma to pass on the message that the NEC had given him 48 hours to resign as head of state.

Eyewitness News reported that Mr Zuma was told he could avoid a recall if he resigned earlier on Monday.

But the news group added that the President told ANC officials: “Do what you want to do.”

It is understood that he refused to stand down, paving the way for the ANC NEC vote.

If Mr Zuma refuses to go, the party will likely seek a vote of no confidence in the President.

If the vote is carried in parliament, he will be impeached, says The South African.

No official announcement has been made but sources have been briefing local media.

The presidency of the 75-year-old has been overshadowed by allegations of corruption.

The tenure of his second term officially runs until mid-2019.