South Africa's ruling party says the scandal-tainted President Jacob Zuma must leave office.

Ace Magashule, secretary-general of the African National Congress, says the party's national executive committee has decided to "recall" Zuma, who has been discredited by corruption scandals.

Magashule says Zuma previously had agreed to resign but wanted to stay in office for several more months, a condition that the party committee rejected.

If Zuma refuses his party's instruction, the matter could go to parliament for a vote on a motion of no confidence.