The African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee (NEC) has decided to reconfigure the party’s Western Cape provincial structures and establish a Provincial Task Team to guide the rebuilding process, stabilise organisational structures and lead preparations for future electoral contests.

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula and other ANC NEC members deployed to the Western Cape met with provincial leadership as part of the party’s efforts to evaluate and reinforce the strength of the movement in the province.

The party said the Western Cape occupies a “unique place in South Africa’s history as the seat of colonial power, the launchpad of apartheid, and the home of the nation’s Parliament”.

The intervention comes as the party’s overall national electoral performance in 2024 was impacted by a decline in key provinces, including the Western Cape, which saw a 9% drop in results.

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

The NEC announced Ebrahim Rasool as the province’s convener; Linda Moss as the first deputy convener; Vuyiso Tyhalisisu as second deputy convener; Thandi Manikivana Makasi as coordinator; Melanie Tembo as first deputy coordinator; Phlisa Makeleni as second deputy coordinator and Richard Dyantyi as fundraiser.

“The leadership collective being put in place integrates members of the outgoing Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) with seasoned leaders, cadres, and veterans, combining experience with renewed energy to strengthen unity, discipline, and community connection,” said the NEC.

The reconfiguration will prioritise ethical leadership, discipline, and the fight against corruption, including confronting the scourges of crime, extortion, and gang-related violence, the party said.

The ANC will also intensify its work on gender equality, social inclusion and deepening economic transformation.

The NEC said the reconfiguration was not a punitive measure against the standing PEC but a “proactive and corrective step” to enhance the ANC’s effectiveness in one of the most “strategically important provinces”.

The NEC has urged the ANC to strengthen its political and organisational presence in the province to advance transformation and “confront the Democratic Alliance’s anti-poor and anti- transformation agenda”.

The NEC pointed out that preparations for the 2026 Local Government Elections would be a central focus, with the goal of reclaiming lost ground and positioning the ANC at the centre of governance in the province.

The NEC said the immediate task in the Western Cape was to rebuild ANC branches, leagues, and regional structures.