Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Marianne Merten
Published on 2024-03-21 21:57:25
National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula made history on Thursday by becoming the first speaker of democratic South Africa to take special leave from her position. This decision came after a raid by the Investigating Directorate (ID) on her Johannesburg home raised concerns about possible arrests related to allegations of soliciting bribes amounting to millions of rands during her time as defence minister.
In a statement, Mapisa-Nqakula announced her decision to take special leave in order to protect the integrity of Parliament and ensure its reputation remains untarnished. She emphasized her willingness to cooperate with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and stated that no formal notification of an arrest warrant had been received by her or her legal team.
The news of her special leave came shortly after a parliamentary statement announcing her delegation to the 148th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. Despite the ongoing investigations, Mapisa-Nqakula maintained her innocence and reiterated her commitment to upholding the integrity of her office.
The allegations against Mapisa-Nqakula date back to her time as defence minister, with claims of soliciting bribes from a defence contractor. Various media reports have mentioned amounts ranging from R5 million to R2.3 million. The investigation into these allegations has been ongoing, with the involvement of the NPA and the submission of an affidavit by the whistle-blower.
Throughout the process, Mapisa-Nqakula has denied any wrongdoing and expressed her willingness to cooperate with the authorities. Her decision to take special leave comes at a critical time, just before the National Assembly rises for elections, signaling a significant development in the ongoing investigation.
The ANC, the ruling party in South Africa, has noted Mapisa-Nqakula’s special leave and stated that it will enforce its integrity and step aside policies based on the facts as they emerge. The decision to take special leave was seen as a significant move by Mapisa-Nqakula, who chose to distance herself from the ANC’s show of solidarity.
Mapisa-Nqakula’s tenure as defence minister was marked by various controversies, including the mismanagement of military finances and equipment. Her transition to the role of National Assembly speaker was not without criticism, particularly for her handling of the July 2021 riots and her apology for characterizing them as a “counter-revolution.”
In conclusion, Mapisa-Nqakula’s decision to take special leave amidst ongoing investigations underscores the importance of upholding the integrity of public office. As the first speaker of democratic South Africa to take such a step, her actions are closely watched and raise questions about accountability and transparency in the country’s political landscape.
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