Opposition parties have welcomed the resignation of Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula from her position as the Speaker of the National Assembly. Image: SABC News
Opposition parties welcome Mapisa-Nqakula’s resignation
The EFF says Mapisa-Nqakula’s resignation comes as a result of mounting pressure and public scrutiny after weeks of speculation of her arrest.
Opposition parties have welcomed the resignation of Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula from her position as the Speaker of the National Assembly. Image: SABC News
Opposition parties have welcomed the resignation of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, who resigned on Wednesday, following weeks of speculation of her arrest by the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it had long called for her resignation when allegations of corruption and money laundering were levelled against her in 2019.
DA TO SEEK ADVICE ON SALARY HIKE COMPLAINT
“We believe that anyone who holds this high office should be beyond reproach, and Ms Mapisa-Nqakula is not suited for it,” said Siviwe Gwarube, the DA’s Chief Whip in Parliament.
She said the party would seek advice on the complaint against Mapisa-Nqakula and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Amos Masondo, which relates to the hiking of the Secretary to Parliament’s salary.
“This is important as it relates to the institution and has implications on individuals who are still in Parliament. We cannot allow this matter to go unanswered,” said Gwarube.
She said that since the DA could not move the Motion of No Confidence against the Speaker in the Ethics Committee, law enforcement agencies should quickly conclude the matter.
ANC CONFIRMS MAPISA-NQAKULA’S RESIGNATION FROM PARLIAMENT
Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) confirmed Mapisa-Nqakula’s resignation, saying that her letter was officially received by the Office of the Secretary General of the ANC, Comrade Fikile Mbalula.
“In her resignation, Comrade Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula highlighted her intention to protect the reputation of our organization, the African National Congress, after dedicating more than 30 years of service,” said national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri.
She said the ruling party valued Mapisa-Nqakula’s commitment to maintaining the image of the ANC by resigning instead of waiting for instructions to step aside. She said Lechesa Tsenoli would continue being the Acting Speaker until further notice.
HER DEPATURE WAS LONG OVERDUE, SAYS THE EFF
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) said her departure from these roles is a significant development, albeit one that has been far too delayed and avoided by her arrogance. The party said Mapisa-Nqakula must be arrested
“It is evident that Mapisa-Nqakula’s resignation comes as a result of mounting pressure and public scrutiny, rather than a genuine acknowledgment of her lack of integrity and the compromised integrity of Parliament under her stewardship,” said the party in a statement on Wednesday.
“Her involvement in receiving over R4.5 million in bribes during her tenure as Minister of Defence highlights the severity of the allegations against her and reveals that what the ANC considers the best amongst its ranks is the worst for our nation,” the EFF said.
