DA: Mapisa-Nqakula nomination as Speaker makes mockery of Parliament
The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it is opposed to the nomination of Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula as Speaker of the National Assembly.
The former defence minister was endorsed by the African National Congress (ANC) in a special caucus meeting on Tuesday.
Mapisa-Nqakula’s nomination comes days after her axing from the Defence portfolio during President Cyril Ramaphosa Cabinet reshuffle.
The changes to the National Executive saw then Speaker Thandi Modise move to Mapisa-Nqakula’s portfolio, creating a vacuum at the National Assembly.
Chief whip for the opposition at the National Assembly, Natasha Mazzone, labelled the endorsement as a mockery of Parliament.
“While the ANC seeks to give a glowing account of Mapisa-Nqakula’s tenure in government, the reality is that there is nothing to celebrate. She is not fit to lead Parliament as she does not espouse the principles of accountability and transparency required to lead the institution.
“This nomination is just an example of the ANC recycling an underperforming Minister,” Mazzone added.
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Mapisa-Nqakula has a trail of controversies to her name including a flight on an airforce jet to Zimbabwe ferrying ANC officials flew to Zimbabwe for crisis talks last year September.
Mapisa-Nqakula commissioned the flight on state business, giving delegates from the governing party a lift.
“She also famously oversaw the ANC’s jaunt to Zimbabwe onboard an Air Force jet which was a violation of lockdown regulations but also a brazen abuse of State resources. It was under her watch and knowledge that the South African Defence Force (SANDF) purchased the unregistered interferon drug from Cuba,” Mazzone recalls.
“She’s been accused of living in the lap of luxury on the taxpayer’s dime. Her and the Department blundered the investigations into the untimely death of Collins Khosa at the hands of SANDF soldiers.
“There are clearly numerous instances of her seemingly abusing her position of power and disregarding ethics standards for her own political and personal gain.”
The DA believes Mapisa-Nqakula’s track record is one of contempt of the principles which Parliament seeks to uphold and promote.
“The DA will not support the nomination of Mapisa-Nqakula.”
Listen to Mazzone below:
