Resignation of Mapisa-Nqakula widely welcomed

Mapisa-Nqakula resigned on Wednesday from her two positions in Parliament, effective immediately. 

Mapisa-Nqakula is embroiled in a legal bid after she was named by a witness for allegedly pocketing bribes worth more than R2 million from a prominent army contractor, while she was the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans.

In her letter to the Acting Speaker, Lechesa Tsenoli, she says the seriousness of the much-publicised corruption allegations against her dictates that she steps away from her position as speaker to preserve Parliament’s integrity. 

"I have made this decision to uphold the integrity and sanctity of our parliament, an apex institution of our system of government, representing the people of South Africa as a whole," she said in the statement.

The RISE Mzansi party says it was clear that Mapisa-Nqakula was playing for time, while abusing court processes to evade arrest, while she figures out her next move. 

"Justice must now take its natural course. This ongoing saga reaffirms RISE Mzansi's call for new and ethical leaders who work with and for the people, as opposed to the political establishment which places its selfish interests above all else.

"In order to ascertain whether the people of South Africa, through the State or other organs of State, will be or has been paying for Mapisa-Nqakula's legal bills, RISE Mzansi wrote to both the President and the Secretary to Parliament."

Meanwhile, the IFP's Mkhuleko Hlengwa says they maintain that the law must be applied without any fear or favour, and "we implore the former Speaker to subject herself to the legal processes until their legal and logical conclusion.

" The IFP has noted, and welcomes, the resignation of National Assembly Speaker Mrs Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula as Speaker. This is a responsible decision by Mrs Mapisa-Nqakula as it allows her to focus on her legal matters without dragging Parliament along any further.

"In the remaining weeks of its term of office, the National Assembly still has work and business which must continue without compromise or interruption. We thank her for her service, and wish her well in her future endeavors."

The DA's Siviwe Gwarube has labeled the resignation of Mapisa-Nqakula as a victory for accountability and Parliament. 

"And by extension the people of South Africa. Parliament cannot be a refuge for some of the worst among us. Those entrusted to lead and represent South Africa must be up to the task. We have long called for this resignation when allegations of corruption and money laundering were levelled against her. 

"We believe that anyone who holds this high office should be beyond reproach; and Ms Mapisa-Nqakula is not suited for it. "

The governing ANC has hailed Mapisa-Nqakula for her commitment to maintain the image of the organization.

"It reflects our principles of organizational renewal that promote proactive responsibility-taking among members, rather than waiting for instructions to step aside."

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