Cape Town — In light of recent corruption allegations surrounding Parliament Speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, she has decided to take special leave from her post.
Mapisa-Nqakula’s house was raided earlier this week by the Hawks, amid an investiation into a R2.3 million tender she solicited from a a former military contractor during her tenure as defence minister. It was reported that she was to be arrested on Friday, The Mail & Guardian said.
As a result of her decision, she will no longer lead a multi-party delegation from Parliament to the 148th Session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, The Citizen reported.
“This decision by myself is meant to protect the integrity of Parliament and ensure its sacred duty and its name continue unblemished,” said Mapisa-Nqakula.
“I wish to place it on record, that while the Investigative Directorate of the National Prosecution Authority conducted a search and seizure at my residence, there has been no formal notification of an arrest warrant or communication regarding an imminent arrest for me, neither to me nor my legal team,” she added.
BREAKING
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula takes special leave from her position in the wake of corruption allegations against her.
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— Chriselda Zozi Lewis (Babes Wendaba) (@Chriseldalewis) March 21, 2024
According to SABC News, Mapisa-Nqakula informed President Cyril Ramaphosa, Clerk of Parliament Xolile George and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party of her decision to take a leave of absence.
Political parties have been calling for Mapisa-Nqakula to quit after it emerged that the NPA’s Investigating Directorate raided her house, IOL reported.
“When the story broke about the raid on her home, we said that she should step down, today we heard the news that she will take special leave. Special leave is nothing other than staying in your job, but not goign to work, but still receive all your benefits, salary. We don’t think that’s good enough. She should, as a matter of urgenyc, resign,” DA deputyt chief whip. Annelie Lotriet, told Newzroom Afrika.
Lotriet added that the speaker is the leader of the legistaltive arm of state, and these allegations are not a good picture for someone who is meant to be someone with integrity and dignity.
DA deputy chief whip Annelie Lotriet says it is not enough that National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula takes special leave following allegations of corruption. Lotriet says she should resign to spare the country further expense.https://t.co/LRhzZyeWW6#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/EpgWUqKXlw
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 21, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
