Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Emsie Ferreira
Published on 2024-03-19 15:02:28
The Investigating Directorate (ID) recently conducted a raid on the Johannesburg home of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, as part of an ongoing corruption investigation. This confirmation came on Tuesday, with the National Prosecuting Authority’s spokesperson, Mthunzi Mhaga, acknowledging the operation. The investigation revolves around allegations of corruption against Mapisa-Nqakula during her tenure as the Minister of Defence, specifically involving the acceptance of significant amounts of cash from the owner of Umkhombe Marine, a company contracted by the South African National Defence Force for military cargo transportation.
Reports suggest that Mapisa-Nqakula is suspected of receiving over R2 million from the CEO of Umkhombe Marine, Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, who is married to a general in the military health service. Parliament released a statement confirming that the Speaker cooperated fully with authorities during the search of her private residence, maintaining her innocence and asserting that she has nothing to hide. As a result of the search, Mapisa-Nqakula was unable to preside over the afternoon session of the National Assembly, where President Cyril Ramaphosa was fielding questions from Members of Parliament.
Despite denying any wrongdoing a few weeks earlier and criticizing the ID’s handling of the investigation, Mapisa-Nqakula continues to face scrutiny. Calls for her resignation have been made by the chief whip of the Democratic Alliance, Siviwe Gwarube, on the grounds that the corruption allegations could compromise the credibility of parliament and its ability to hold the executive branch accountable. Gwarube emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust in the institution and called for Mapisa-Nqakula to step down from her position.
Mapisa-Nqakula, who served as the Minister of Defence from 2016 to 2019, was appointed by former President Jacob Zuma. The unfolding investigation and the implications it carries have thrust the Speaker into a maelstrom of controversy, prompting a debate on ethics, accountability, and the integrity of the South African political landscape. The outcome of the investigation and Mapisa-Nqakula’s response to the allegations will undoubtedly shape the future discourse surrounding governance and public office in the country.
Read the original article on Mail & Guardian
