Expelled Economic Freedom Fighters member of provincial legislature (MPL) Themba Wele has lost his court bid to get a temporary order preventing his removal from parliament.
This paves the way for the EFF to elect a new representative in the Bhisho legislature after a year-long stand-off since a decision was taken in February last year to suspend and later expel him.
Throughout the saga, Wele has continued to earn a R1.02-million annual salary as leader of the minority party in the provincial legislature.
Wele brought the court application late last year against the EFF, the provincial legislature and its speaker Noxolo Kiviet as respondents.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch yesterday, Wele said he would study the judgment with his lawyers. Kiviet could not be reached for a comment yesterday.
Legislature spokeswoman Bulelwa Gan-yaza had not responded to questions at the time of writing.
Even after his expulsion from the party, Wele continued to receive benefits including medical aid, an iPhone, a state house and a tablet, pending the court’s decision.