KwaZulu-Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu has stepped down, according to interviews he gave to selected media on Monday.

The move followed an ultimatum by the African National Congress’s (ANC's) national and provincial leaders, eNCA reporter Judith Subban said. She was one of the journalists invited to his Empangeni home.

Subban said Mchunu decided to comply and resign, but would write to ANC general secretary Gwede Mantashe to discuss how it was handled.

“He feels that it could have been carried out in a different manner, that it does not follow the ANC culture and does not follow the way the party has dealt with previous matters over the years.”

Mchunu would reportedly still lobby for the ANC and follow its directions ahead of the August 3 local government elections

Mchunu would not say who would replace him. He was in talks with Mantshe about becoming a Member of Parliament.

Rumours that Mchunu had been given his marching orders surfaced on Friday.

The Weekend Witness reported that Mchunu was served with a letter on Friday, giving him an ultimatum to resign by Monday or face the humiliation of being recalled.