It's a Relief, Says Rasool

South Africa: It's a Relief, Says Rasool Posted to the web 24 July 2008 Andisiwe Makinana and Murray Williams Cape Town The ANC announced on Wednesday that embattled Western Cape Premier Ebrahim Rasool will step down to make way for Finance and Tourism MEC Lynne Brown. Rasool also confirmed that he was quitting his job as premier and member of the provincial parliament. Rasool, flanked by ANC national chairperson Baleka Mbete and ANC provincial secretary Mcebisi Skwatsha, made the announcement at a media conference held at the ANC offices in the city. Brown was also present and shook hands with Rasool after the announcement. Rasool said his resignation personally came as a great moment of relief. "What is the honour in pushing ahead, when very clearly the ANC needed to be strengthened in the run-up to the 2009 election?" he... [read full story]