ABC News reported that the president in a statement has said that "on the eve of a high-level ruling party meeting where his fate is a certain topic of discussion, any further delay will make the public doubt the government's resolve to fight graft."
The president said that "this matter cannot wait any longer".
The president made the statement after Opposition called for Zuma's impeachment.
"Zuma deserves no credit for this decision. His hand has been forced," said Mmusi Maimane, the leader of the main opposition Democratic Alliance, reported ABC News.
Rising public frustration over multiple corruption allegations against Zuma have led some in the ruling African National Congress to urge him to step aside so the party can be in a stronger position to contest an election in 2019, it added.