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Published on 2024-03-26 14:00:00
The African National Congress (ANC) has been at the center of controversy as it deliberates on whether to support or oppose a motion of no confidence against National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula. While the ANC headquarters at Luthuli House has remained silent on the matter, its parliamentary chief whip, Pemmy Majodina, has expressed full support from the caucus behind Mapisa-Nqakula.
In response to queries by the Mail & Guardian, Majodina stated that there was currently no basis to support the motion put forward by the Democratic Alliance (DA). She emphasized the importance of allowing the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) processes to unfold before making any decisions regarding the motion.
On the other side, Siviwe Gwarube of the Democratic Alliance wrote to Majodina urging the ANC to back the motion. The ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri revealed that the party is still in discussions and has not yet reached a decision on how to approach the motion of no confidence.
The motion to remove speaker Mapisa-Nqakula was initiated after reports emerged of her involvement in alleged corruption and money laundering, linked to payments and benefits received from a contractor during her tenure as the minister of defense. The speaker’s alleged solicitation of bribes totaling more than R2 million from Nombasa Ndhlovu, owner of Umkhombe Marine, has raised serious concerns.
Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo confirmed that the motion would be given due priority according to the National Assembly rules, with a date for its tabling to be announced soon. Gwarube welcomed this decision and pushed for an urgent tabling and debate of the motion, ideally as early as next week.
Gwarube stressed that as parliamentarians, the values of accountability should guide their decisions in supporting the motion. She highlighted the importance of the parliament and parties doing the right thing by showing that corruption allegations are taken seriously and individuals facing such allegations are held accountable.
The DA has reached out to other parties in parliament for their support in the motion, citing that the speaker’s continued refusal to resign amidst the corruption allegations leaves them with no choice but to pursue the motion. Gwarube reiterated that the speaker’s position is no longer tenable, especially when faced with serious corruption allegations.
The urgency of the situation calls for a swift consideration of the motion in order to uphold the integrity and credibility of the parliament. The decision on this matter will not only impact the future of speaker Mapisa-Nqakula but also set a precedent for accountability and transparency within the parliament and its members.
Read the original article on Mail & Guardian
