Jacob Zuma

The reported decision to "recall" Mr Zuma followed marathon talks by senior party officials that continued into the early hours of Tuesday.

If Mr Zuma, 75, still does not budge, he will face a vote of confidence in parliament that he is expected to lose.

He has been leader since 2009 but has been dogged by corruption allegations.

The ANC has not officially confirmed its plans, but party sources have described them to South African media outlets and Reuters news agency.

Scuffles also broke between Mr Zuma's supporters and opponents, resulting in all speeches being cancelled.

The main labour federation, Cosatu, called on Mr Zuma to step down last month after he sacked his widely respected finance minister.

Mr Zuma has vowed to remain in office until his term ends in 2019.

Mr Zuma's lawyer informed the High Court in the capital, Pretoria, of the decision, but the reasons are unclear.

Opposition groups are rallying in South Africa's major cities to demand Mr Zuma's resignation.

He has been dogged by corruption allegations for more than a decade, but has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

The report by former anti-corruption chief Thuli Madonsela is believed to contain damning allegations against him, reports the BBC's Milton Nkosi from Pretoria.