PIETERMARITZBURG (South Africa), Sept 12: A South African court on Friday threw out a corruption case against ruling ANC party chief Jacob Zuma, opening the way for him to become the country’s president next year.

The charismatic leader, who was cheered by thousands of his supporters outside the court, is in the frontline in the race for the presidency of Africa’s biggest economy next year when incumbent Thabo Mbeki will step down.

Emerging triumphant from the court, Zuma mounted a stage set up outside to speak to his supporters and broke into a traditional Zulu song about being scarred by other warriors.

“It is a victory,” Zuma told the crowds after the ruling in which the judge highlighted his political rivalry with Mbeki, whom he had ousted as party leader days before previously dropped charges against him were revived.—AFP