The African National Congress dissolved its Western Cape leadership and installed former United States ambassador Ebrahim Rasool to head a new provincial task team. Secretary General Fikile Mbalula announced the change on Wednesday, following the National Executive Committee's approval of an 84-member group comprising veteran politicians and new members. The party lost 9 percent of support in the region after the 2024 national election.
Rasool served as provincial premier from 2004 to 2008 and worked as an ambassador from 2010 until 2015, before a brief 2025 appointment ended when Washington expelled him. The 1962-born Cape Town native participated in anti-apartheid resistance through the United Democratic Front. Linda Moss and Vuyiso Tyhalisisu will serve as deputies under the restructured leadership.
The committee plans to strengthen local branches in preparation for the 2026 municipal elections. Officials cited constitutional provisions for the organizational shift, rather than taking disciplinary action against the previous administrators. The Western Cape hosts Parliament and major economic infrastructure through ports and tourism operations.
Rasool served as provincial premier from 2004 to 2008 and worked as an ambassador from 2010 until 2015, before a brief 2025 appointment ended when Washington expelled him. The 1962-born Cape Town native participated in anti-apartheid resistance through the United Democratic Front. Linda Moss and Vuyiso Tyhalisisu will serve as deputies under the restructured leadership.
The committee plans to strengthen local branches in preparation for the 2026 municipal elections. Officials cited constitutional provisions for the organizational shift, rather than taking disciplinary action against the previous administrators. The Western Cape hosts Parliament and major economic infrastructure through ports and tourism operations.
