Cyril Ramaphosa is to succeed Jacob Zuma as South Africa's new president. Less than a day after Zuma resigned Ramaphosa stepped into power, according to a report from CNN. 

Zuma announced his resignation on Wednesday night after his party, the African National Congress (ANC), asked him to step aside. His tenure has been dogged by allegations of corruption and waste. Originally, many were unsure if he would even comply with the calls for him to resign.

"Even though I disagree with the decision of the leadership of my organization, I have always been a disciplined member of the ANC," Zuma said as he agreed to peacefully make room for a new president.

Ramaphosa, 65, has also served as deputy president of the ANC.

Ramaphosa has been waiting for this role for nearly two decades. In 1999, he was Nelson Mandela's favorite for the position; Mandela hoped that Ramaphosa would take the reins once he finished his tenure. Despite Mandela's wishes, Thabo Mbeki was voted in as president.

He became close to the anti-apartheid leader during the 1970s and '80s when he served as a union leader. Following his unsuccessful presidential bid, Ramaphosa entered the business world, becoming one of the continent's richest men.

He rejoined the ANC in 2012, and Thursday promised to use his presidency as a chance to restore Mandela's legacy. 

"My campaign to become the leader of the ANC was pivoted on two things: renewing the ANC and taking back to the values they were espoused and subscribed to by Nelson Mandela, Oliver Thambo and many other leaders," Ramaphosa said.

Ramaphosa has a big job ahead of him. He will be tasked with reducing the nation's economic inequality and cleaning up corruption.

In his address to Parliament, Ramaphosa said:  

"I truly feel humbled to have been given this great privilege of being able to serve our people. I will try to work very hard not to disappoint the people of South Africa."