One of the axed KwaZulu-Natal MECs‚ Mike Mabuyakhulu‚ said he has resigned as a member of the provincial legislature to pursue other interests. The former economic development‚ tourism and environmental affairs MEC joined the legislature in 1994‚ and spent 17 of his 22 years there as an MEC.Mabuyakhulu first rose to prominence in 1999 when then Premier Lionel Mtshali appointed him as MEC for economic development and tourism‚ a position which had been vacated by President Jacob Zuma‚ who had just been appointed as deputy president of the country.Speaking to Gagasi99.5fm on Monday night‚ Mabuyakhulu said it was business as usual for him."I want to thank the movement‚ the ANC (African National Congress) for the opportunity it gave me to serve. I want to thank business‚ labour and all other stakeholders‚" he said.He gave no indication of his next move."I feel I have done all in my power and to my best ability. I will retreat and pursue other interest. I feel perhaps it's time to look elsewhere. I have full confidence in the incoming leadership‚" said the former ANC treasurer.Mabuyakhulu was replaced by ANC provincial chair Sihle Zikalala in an announcement made by Premier Willies Mchunu at a press briefing on Monday morning.He also named former ANC Youth League provincial leader Mxolisi Kaunda as the new MEC for transport‚ safety and liaison - the position recently vacated by himself.Former uMgungundlovu district mayor Sithole-Moloi replaced sports‚ arts and culture MEC Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha.Perhaps the most surprise inclusion into cabinet was firebrand and provincial secretary of the South African Communist Party Themba Mthembu takes over from Cyril Xaba as MEC for agriculture and rural development. - TMG Digital/Sunday Times..