Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Des Erasmus
Published on 2024-04-03 16:34:49
Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula recently made headlines when she resigned as the National Assembly Speaker. This decision came after the High Court dismissed her application to prevent the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) from arresting her on corruption charges. In a media statement released by parliament, Mapisa-Nqakula announced her resignation to acting speaker Lechesa Tsenoli, effective immediately.
The allegations against Mapisa-Nqakula involve corruption and bribery, with the NPA and the Hawks investigating payments and benefits amounting to R2.3 million from a military contractor during her tenure as the Minister of Defence. Despite her efforts to avoid arrest, she ultimately agreed to hand herself over to the police. The contractor, Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, has become a state witness in the case.
In her resignation statement, Mapisa-Nqakula emphasized her dedication to dealing with the investigation and maintained her innocence regarding the allegations. She expressed her commitment to the integrity of Parliament and the need to uphold the sanctity of the institution by stepping down as Speaker in light of the serious accusations against her. Mapisa-Nqakula also asserted her intention to clear her name when the matter is brought before the appropriate forum.
As a long-time member of the African National Congress (ANC) and a prominent figure in the struggle for freedom and equality in South Africa, Mapisa-Nqakula felt obligated to resign in order to protect the ANC and the reputation of her office. She informed the ANC of her decision and expressed gratitude for the trust they had placed in her during her leadership roles.
The ANC confirmed receipt of Mapisa-Nqakula’s resignation letter, acknowledging her decision to protect the party’s reputation. The ANC spokesperson emphasized the party’s commitment to proactive responsibility-taking among its members. The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) also welcomed the resignation, praising Mapisa-Nqakula for her responsible decision to focus on her legal matters without further disruption to parliamentary proceedings.
The IFP reiterated the importance of upholding the rule of law and urged Mapisa-Nqakula to cooperate with the legal process until a resolution is reached. Overall, Mapisa-Nqakula’s resignation marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into alleged corruption and bribery, and serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and integrity in public office.
Read the original article on Mail & Guardian
