The Former South African Ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rassool, will soon begin his latest venture, and that’s as convener of the ANC in the Western Cape.  

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This is one aspect of the “reconfiguration” of the party’s provincial leadership, as announced by its secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, in Cape Town on Wednesday.  

The decision marks a renewed push to revive the party’s influence in a province where it has struggled to make electoral gains for more than a decade. It also comes ahead of next year’s local government elections.  

 According to Mbalula, the change is “not a punitive measure” but rather “a progressive reshuffling” to better the party’s effectiveness, in what he has called one of the country’s most strategically important provinces.  

“It is also a province of immense potential, an economic gateway through its ports and airports, and a strategic centre for tourism, trade, and industry. The ANC must, therefore, strengthen its political and organisational presence in this province to advance transformation and confront the DA’s anti-poor and anti-transformation agenda,” said Mbalula.  

He noted that the ANC’s vote share in the Western Cape had dropped by nine percent in the last election, prompting the need for renewal and visible leadership. 

Mbalula advised that the new team blends members of the outgoing Provincial Executive Committee with veteran leaders to “strengthen unity, discipline, and community connection”.  

Rasool, a former premier and long-serving ANC stalwart, will be joined by deputies Linda Moss and Vuyiso Tyhalisisu, with Thandi Manikivana Makasi appointed as coordinator. 

According to Mbalula, the ANC, through these members, must “strengthen its brand and community work” to reclaim its leadership role among citizens.  

As such, the reconfiguration would focus on ethical leadership, discipline, and the fight against corruption, while also tackling “crime, extortion, and gang-related violence” in the province, he said.  

“Preparations for the 2026 Local Government Elections will be a central focus, with the goal of reclaiming lost ground and positioning the ANC at the centre of governance in the province. To achieve this, the NEC has resolved to establish a Provincial Task Team (PTT) that will guide the rebuilding process, stabilise organisational structures, and lead preparations for future electoral contests.”

[WATCH] The end goal is to strengthen the ANC in the Western Cape. We have not taken a drastic decision to dissolve anyone. We have simply reconfigured the leadership by bringing in everyone irrespective of where they stood in the last conference. #ANCRenewal https://t.co/FFJwa92dBw pic.twitter.com/fTOM1mW67X

— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) October 29, 2025