ANC moves to reconfigure Western Cape leadership, Ebrahim Rasool tapped as convenor

ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula announced that the party is reconfiguring its leadership in the Western Cape and is in talks with former SA ambassador to the United States Ebrahim Rasool to lead a new Provincial Task Team.

Mbalula addressed the media following his engagement with the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) of the ANC in the Western Cape. 

He outlined key outcomes of the meeting and provided updates on the organisation's ongoing political and organisational work in the province.

“But this task is not a full-time position. So he (Rasool) has requested us, among others, to look at this situation, and he will revert back to us about his decision,” Mbalula said.

“The decision of the ANC is that he will convene this particular team,” he added.

The Provincial Task Team leadership is as follows: Rasool as convenor, Linda Moss as 1st deputy convenor, Vuyiso Tyhalisisu as 2nd deputy convenor, Thandi Manikivana Makasi as coordinator, Melanie Tembo as 1st deputy coordinator, Phlisa Makeleni as 2nd deputy coordinator, and Richard Dyantyi as fundraiser.

Mbalula said that Rasool and Moss were not yet present in the tea that was part of the media briefing.

He said the ANC must strengthen its political and organisational presence in the Western Cape to advance transformation and confront what he described as the DA’s anti-poor and anti-transformation agenda.

“The NEC commends the discipline and dedication displayed by ANC structures and members in the Western Cape throughout this period of transition,” Mbalula said.

He stressed that the reconfiguration is not a punitive measure against the PEC, but a proactive step to enhance the movement’s effectiveness in one of the country’s most strategically important provinces.

The intervention comes as the ANC experiences a decline in national electoral performance, including a 9% drop in the Western Cape. 

“This makes both Gauteng and the Western Cape central to the ANC's broader strategy of renewal, rebuilding, and recovery,” Mbalula said.

“The NEC’s decision follows extensive deliberations to ensure the process is politically necessary, constitutionally sound, and consistent with the principles of democratic centralism,” he added.

He said the intervention is fully aligned with rules of the ANC Constitution, which empowers the NEC to ensure the effective functioning of all ANC structures.

Mbalula said the immediate task in the Western Cape is to rebuild ANC branches, leagues, and regional structures so they can function as vibrant instruments of community development and political education.

“The ANC’s brand, communications, and mass work must be strengthened to reaffirm the organisation’s leadership role among the people,” he said.

The reconfiguration will also prioritise ethical leadership, discipline, and the fight against corruption, including tackling crime, extortion, and gang-related violence.

The party will intensify efforts on gender equality, social inclusion, and economic transformation that benefits the poor and marginalised.

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, Mbalula said.

“To achieve this, the NEC has resolved to establish a Provincial Task Team that will guide the rebuilding process, stabilise organisational structures, and lead preparations for future electoral contests,” he said.

“The leadership collective being put in place integrates members of the outgoing PEC with seasoned leaders, cadres, and veterans, combining experience with renewed energy to strengthen unity, discipline, and community connection,” Mbalula added.

The reconfiguration in the Western Cape follows similar actions in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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