Rasool 'won't save W Cape'

ELECTIONS: PROVINCE 'IS LOST CAUSE TO THE ANC AS COLOURED PEOPLE ARE DISGRUNTLED'

- Eric Mthobeli Naki

The Western Cape is a lost cause to the ANC, whether or not South Africa's former ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool, comes to its rescue, according to experts.

Political analysts argue Rasool could not gain ground for the ANC when he was previously the provincial leader in the Western Cape.

They added it will be more difficult now because many Western Cape voters, particularly coloureds, have found new and more attractive political homes.

The Western Cape, which has been dominated by the DA for 16 years, has become a formidable challenge for the ANC.

The analysts believe that even Rasool's potential involvement, with his extensive experience, diplomatic prowess and his role as the province's former leader, may not be enough to bolster the party's campaign efforts in the upcoming elections.

They say the landscape is increasingly challenging now with new dynamics. The ANC faces an uphill battle to reclaim ground that has slipped from its grasp since the DA ousted it in 2009.

Independent political analyst Goodenough Mashego gives the ANC no chance of reclaiming the Western Cape.

Asked if Rasool could rescue the party now that he had returned after his controversial exit as the country's envoy in Washington, Mashego said: "The return of Rasool is not going to get them the votes.