By The Parliament of South Africa has confirmed the resignation of the Speaker of National Assembly Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, both as Speaker of National Assembly and Member of Parliament with immediate effect.
In her resignation letter dated 3 April 2024, Mapisa-Nqakula says she is stepping down from her highly esteemed position to focus on the investigations against her. She also maintains her innocence regarding the allegations levelled against her by law enforcement agencies.
“My resignation is in no way an indication or admission of guilt regarding the allegations being levelled against me. I have made this decision in order to uphold the integrity and sanctity of our Parliament, an apex institution of our system of government, representing the people of South Africa as a whole,” said Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula in her letter.
She says as the Chief law-maker of the country, she cannot continue with her work as Speaker of the National Assembly given the seriousness of the allegations levelled against. As part of protecting the sacred work of Parliament and allowing its work to continue without blemish, she has to step down.
The Acting Speaker of National Assembly Lechesa Tsenoli has extended his gratitude to Ms Mapisa-Nqakula for her service to the nation over her 30-year tenure as a Member of Parliament and, most recently, in her role as Speaker of the National Assembly since 19 August 2021.
Mapisa-Nqakula is facing allegations of 12 counts of corruption and bribery worth R4 million during her tenure as Minister of Defense. She is being accused of soliciting bribes from the then department’s contractor in exchange of government tenders. It is reported that the contractor has now turned state witness in the case.
Her resignation comes amidst pressure from political opposition parties in Parliament for her to step down. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) came out strong demanding the immediate arrest of the disgraced Speaker; while the Democratic Alliance (DA) lodged an urgent motion of no confidence on Mapisa-Nqakula.
Mapisa-Nqakula is expected to hand herself over to authorities today and be formally charged with the allegations.
