Cape Town — Deputy Speaker in the National Assembly, Lechesa Tsenoli, has been appointed as the acting speaker in the absence of Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula amid her corruption allegations.
Mapisa-Nqakula is currently facing allegations of R2.3 million owing to bribes solicited from a former military officer. She had her home raided by the hawks and subsequently applied for a special leave of absence.
According to a Parliament statement, in the event that the Speaker’s is unable to perform her duties or vacancy in the office, the Deputy Speaker is required to assume the role of Acting Speaker.
“In light of this, Mr. Lechesa Tsenoli, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, will serve as the Acting Speaker during the Speaker’s leave. He will assume all functions, powers, and responsibilities vested in the Speaker.” Parliament said.
ALSO READ | Ramaphosa urges patience from opposition amid Mapisa-Nqakula investigation
Many opposition parties have taken issue with Mapisa-Nqakula’s decision to take special leave amid the corruption allegations, saying that it was not within the rules, but Parliament has confirmed this.
“The Speaker’s leave of absence is provided for in the Rules of the Assembly, which state that if a member’s absence extends beyond 15 consecutive sittings of the House, a motion explaining the reason and duration of the absence must be introduced. Considering that the National Assembly has only three plenary sittings remaining before it adjourns at the end of March for the national and provincial elections on 29 May, the formal motion process will not be required in this instance.” Parliament said.
Parliament confirmed that the multi-party delegation representing parliament at teh 148th-Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Geneva is still proceeding as planned, despite the Speaker’s absence, with Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms Sylvia Lucas, assuming the role of the leader of the delegation.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@_reekee
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Matthew Petersen
