Cape Town – Former Western Cape premier and ex-South African ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool, has explained his decision to decline the ANC’s offer to lead its provincial task team following the disbandment of its Western Cape leadership.
He cited professional commitments with the World for All Foundation, which occupy most of his time, as the reason for stepping aside.
Rasool said: “These keep me busy and I will not have the 100% effort I usually bring to a task of the ANC, especially not one of leading an overly large and diverse collection in the face of a resourced and slick incumbent party in the Western Cape. I wish the ANC well in their task and the leadership of Jerimia Thuynsma.”
Message by Ebrahim Rasool pic.twitter.com/VqedWkvNPA
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) November 12, 2025
Reflecting on his history with the ANC, Rasool noted: “During the 1980s I was asked to sacrifice for freedom. I gladly did so. During the mid-1990s I was asked to lead the ANC from the low 33%, and we took it to government in the province. After Polokwane, the ANC led by [Jacob] Zuma asked me to resign as premier. I did so. But this is a different time, a different ANC and I’m a different person. Seven months after returning from the US, I’ve had to engage the world without the ANC. I’ve signed the contract with a global entity, and I’ve advanced the work of the World for All Foundation.”
Rasool’s work with the foundation involves engaging vulnerable societies, humanitarian and development interventions, and geopolitical debates, which he says demand his full attention. He also recalled his expulsion from the US in 2025 after criticising then-President Donald Trump, when he was declared persona non grata by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Rasool said his commitment to the ANC in principle but recognised his limitations: “I will not have the 100% effort I usually bring to a task of the ANC… I wish the ANC well in their task and the leadership of Jerimia Thuynsma.”
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula confirmed that Rasool stepped down due to professional commitments that limited his ability to dedicate full time to the role, though he remains a loyal party member.
[WATCH] Cde Ebrahim Rasool could not take up the deployment of being Western Cape Provincial Convener as he had already accepted other responsibilities. He understood that the role of leading in the Western Cape required singular focus. He remains a ANC member and activist.… pic.twitter.com/Sjrf6GHDYk
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) November 11, 2025
Mbalula said, “Rasool has said to me, ‘SG, I will die black, green and gold. Assign me other tasks, I will always be there – but the Western Cape needs someone who can give 24/7 dedication, and I can’t give you half.’”
Thuynsma, a pastor, activist, and former City of Cape Town councillor, brings extensive political and civic experience and is expected to energize the ANC’s presence in the DA-dominated province ahead of the 2026 municipal elections.
Mbalula said, “He’s an all-rounder with accolades, like Alderman, and we believe he’s an activist with energy and commitment. We’re happy with him.”
Thuynsma is expected to be sworn in before the end of the week.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
