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Cape Town - Marius Fransman approached the Western Cape High Court on Monday to intervene in his struggle to regain his position of ANC Western Cape leader.
Fransman's position has been at the centre of much confusion after the African National Congress’ head of elections, Nomvula Mokonyane, said on Thursday that he was back in his job as the party’s provincial leader.
Fransman has been the subject of disciplinary proceedings after he was accused of sexually harassing 21-year-old Louisa Wynand while they were travelling to the party's January 8 celebrations in Rustenburg.
ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe said on Monday, however, that Fransman had not been reinstated, saying Mokonyane had been under pressure when she made the announcement.
READ: Fransman is not back - Mantashe
‘Outrageous attack’
Mantashe said ANC structures had been "ill-disciplined" to tell the media that Fransman was back as Western Cape leader.
Fransman has since indicated, in a statement on Monday, that he is taking the matter to the High Court to secure his "constitutional rights to fair procedure".
"I have answered the call of the ANC, structures on the ground in the Western Cape, and sectors in our society, on July 21, in the presence of the president of the ANC, and of Western Cape ANC officials, that I resume my duties and responsibilities as the duly elected ANC Western Cape leader, by actively participating in canvassing events since Thursday last," he said.
Fransman hopes to gain access to the ANC Integrity Commission report on his conduct regarding his sexual harassment suit.
He received backing from President Jacob Zuma, while campaigning with him in the province the past week.
"It is outrageous that the SG [Mantashe] should publicly attack and question the president and the head of elections days before a critical election. The office of the president deserves respect," he said.
"Let me be very clear: I have not been suspended.
"While this distraction about my office and the [Integrity Commission's] report is now handled by legal professionals, I will continue to ensure that ANC, the only organisation that can be trusted with advancing our people, returns to as many local governments as possible on August 3."
ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa told eNCA on Monday that the party's official position was that Fransman had not been reinstated.
The Integrity Commission's report had to go to the party's national disciplinary committee before any final decision could be made, he said.
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