Former Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool will no longer be the convener for the ANC in the Western Cape.
This comes less than two weeks after Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula announced the reconfiguration of the provincial task team.
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At a briefing on Wednesday on the outcomes of the National Working Committee meeting, Mbalula confirmed that Rasool would be replaced by Jerimia Thuynsma, a pastor and seasoned activist from Mitchells Plain.
He said Rasool could not commit to the responsibilities of convener because of another opportunity, but added that Rasool remains committed to the ANC.
“But he has said ‘SG, I will die black, green and gold… assign me other tasks, I will always be there, but the task you want to give me, especially in the Western Cape and the government we are dealing with in the Western Cape, will need me 24/7… and I can’t give you half,” said Mbalula.
Furthermore, Mbalula said Thuynsma accepted the offer of the new vacancy earlier this week, noting that he’s hopeful that the new convener would be sworn into office by the end of the week, “so that you can see him”, he said.
He noted that Thuynsma has previously worked with the South African Communist Party, COSATU, the ANC’s youth movement, and has also served on the City of Cape Town council. Mbalula referred to him as an “all-rounder” and said that he was looking forward to his work as convener in the province.
“He has got very important accolades, like Alderman, in the council in the Western Cape… We believe that he’s an activist, he’s got energy; he will do the work. So we are happy with him,” said Mbalula
*This article has been updated to include additional information.
