JOHANNESBURG - The Sunday Times is alleging that President Cyril Ramaphosa has a target on his back.

The newspaper has published an exclusive on Sunday, implicating former president Jacob Zuma in a plot to unseat his successor.

The @SundayTimesZA story today alleging " a plot to oust our President @CyrilRamaphosa " deserves urgent attention by @MYANC NEC . The alleged clandestine plot , which regrettably includes the SG , comrade Ace Magashule , undermines the unity and renewal efforts of the ANC . — Jackson Mthembu (@JacksonMthembu_) September 9, 2018

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Zuma is reported to be in cahoots with ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule, former North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo, and two other ANC officials.

More seriously disturbing in the alleged clandestine plot , is the undermining of our state in its efforts to fight and reverse impacts of " state capture " . Those involved in this plot also want to undermine the ANC 2019 election Campaign so as to produce disastrous results — Jackson Mthembu (@JacksonMthembu_) September 9, 2018

They are said to have held a meeting on past Thursday at the Maharani Hotel in Durban.

The newspaper writes that they're believed to have discussed a fightback strategy to challenge the outcome of last year’s ANC national conference, which saw Ramaphosa defeat Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to become party president.