Elisha Molefe

Elisha Molefe

The axed MEC for Agriculture in North West is taking the provincial ANC to court today to contest his dismissal.

Elliot Mayisela's dismissal was ratified by the ANC's provincial executive committee in North West.

Mayisela was removed for publicly saying the provincial executive committee was swamped with people who were bent on destabilising the provincial government and the party.

In a statement issued by the office of North West Premier Edna Molewa, it was stated that, in terms of the constitution, Mayisela, who is no longer a member of the provincial legislature, was ineligible to be a member of the executive council.

Molewa has appointed Phenye Vilakazi, the MEC for Roads, Transport and Community Safety, as acting MEC for Agriculture, Conservation and Environment.

In his challenge to his axing by the provincial ANC, Mayisela claimed his removal was unconstitutional because he was not given notice and proper procedures were not followed.

He claims he was simply informed about his removal and his replacement was put in his post.

It had emerged that the decision was not approved by Molewa, who, apart from being the premier, is also provincial chairman of the ANC.