Lechesa Tsenoli takes over from corruption-accused Mapisa-Nqakula
Parliament has appointed deputy National Assembly speaker Lechesa Tsenoli to take over from Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula who is facing corruption allegations.
Mapisa-Nqakula has taken special leave from Parliament to clear her name after being accused of receiving bribes from an army contractor during her time as the defense minister.
She has since filed for a court interdict against her possible arrest in the corruption probe.
This comes after the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate raided her Johannesburg home last week.
Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo says Tsenoli will maintain all speaker responsibilities following Mapisa-Nqakula's decision to take leave amidst a corruption investigation.
"Parliament reassures the public that the work of the National Assembly remains unaffected. The Assembly remains committed to fulfilling its constitutional obligations and its program".
"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".
Meanwhile, Mothapo confirmed Parliament's participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly, which will be led by deputy chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Sylvia Lucas.
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