ACT calls for resignation of Mapisa-Nqakula amid corruption charges

The African Congress for Transformation (ACT) has called for the immediate resignation of Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula following charges of corruption and money laundering, reportedly totalling over R4 million.

These allegations stem from the time when Mapisa-Nqakula was minister of defence.

The Speaker of the National Assembly has taken a ‘special leave of absence” until the investigations into allegations of receiving kickbacks are concluded.

“Given the seriousness of the allegations and the attendant extensive media speculation, I have decided to take special leave from my position as Speaker of the National Assembly effective immediately,” she said.

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In light of that, ACT has taken a firm position that the Speaker should promptly tender her resignation “due to the detrimental impact these allegations have had on the reputation of Parliament.”

“If she does not resign, the President must dismiss her from her position in order to safeguard the reputation and integrity of Parliament. Mapisa-Nqakula, while serving as the Speaker of the National Assembly, did not cover herself with glory, since the house endured a period of extreme brutality and violence since 1994.

“She presided over the impeachment proceedings against Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane, the former Public Protector. She presided over the proceedings to impeach the Deputy Judge President Hlophe. She presided over the proceedings to impeachment Judge Motata. She presided over the proceedings to suppress the Section 89 Report, authored by the esteemed former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo,” ACT recalled.

The Ace Magashule-led party further asserted that the Speaker presided over a house that banned elected members of parliament from participating in the State of the Nation Address (SONA 2024).

“She presided over a House that engaged in physical assaults against members of parliament, specifically targeting the EFF members of Parliament,” ACT added.