ANC deputy-president David Mabuza is set to lead a delegation of senior officials who will meet President Jacob Zuma today to discuss his fate.
The meeting, due to be held at Zuma's official residence, Mahlamba Ndlopfu in Pretoria, could also determine if the president will deliver the state of the nation address scheduled for Thursday.
According to those familiar with the discussions, the ANC's top six officials will meet Zuma this evening to discuss his exit from the west wing of the Union Buildings, whether he should deliver the address, and possible impeachment proceedings.
Agreement on the date of Zuma's final departure from the presidency could be reached.
Mabuza will be joined by ANC national chairman Gwede Mantashe, secretary-general Ace Magashule, his deputy Jessie Duarte, and treasurer-general Paul Mashatile.
The ANC officials are acting on the mandate of the party's highest decision-making structures, the national executive committee and the national working committee, which both resolved that Zuma should no longer be president of the country.
ANC insiders have also indicated that Cyril Ramaphosa, the governing party's president, has recused himself from the meeting after being advised to do so by senior party leaders.
This is why Mabuza has been designated to lead the delegation.
The sources said other senior party leaders felt it would not augur well for Ramaphosa to be present at a meeting to ask Zuma to step down from government, citing a conflict of interest as he was expected to take over the presidency.
ANC national communications manager Khusela Diko declined to respond to specific questions on the matter, dismissing them as speculation.
"Our position is that the national working committee has mandated the national officials to meet with President Jacob Zuma. When they meet him, they need to discuss a number of issues," said Diko."They must discuss the upcoming motion of no confidence and the impeachment process.
"Together, they must find a way to help the party navigate all these [matters] in the best interests of the country and the organisation. So that's what we have. Anything else at this point is speculation."
Other senior party leaders said Zuma would be told it was in his best interests to resign immediately to avoid a possible impeachment process or a vote of no confidence sponsored by ANC MPs.
The EFF has already tabled its own motion of no confidence in Zuma and National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete has scheduled this for February 22, just two weeks after the state of the nation address.
Those sympathetic to Zuma said the president had vowed to reject requests that he step down and was accusing those asking him to do so of betrayal, including perceived supporters.
Zuma this week carried on with business as usual, chairing the three-day cabinet lekgotla that ended on Friday...