Johannesburg- Mbhazima Shilowa, premier of South Africa's wealthiest province, Gauteng, resigned on Monday in protest over the recent sacking by the African National Congress (ANC) of former president Thabo Mbeki

Shilowa's departure brings to at least 11 the number of senior officials who have quit over the Jacob Zuma-led ANC's recent ousting of Mbeki.

Ten cabinet ministers and deputy ministers resigned their posts after the ANC forced Mbeki to resign following a court finding of government meddling in the decision to charge Zuma with corruption.

ANC deputy leader Kgalema Motlanthe was sworn in as caretaker president last week.

Gauteng province, which comprises the business capital Johannesburg and the administrative capital Pretoria, is the country's economic hub.

Announcing his decision to resign at a press conference in Johannesburg, Shilowa said he felt the ANC's decision to axe Mbeki, about seven months before his second and last presidential term was due to end, was not the right one.

The popular premier's departure had been expected after he openly criticized the court judgement fingering Mbeki.

Rumours that Shilowa was planning to launch a new party of Mbeki loyalists to rival the ANC had also sparked the ANC's ire.

Shilowa, the former trade union leader who became Gauteng premier almost 10 years ago, on Monday denied plans to start a party. (dpa)