DA calls for immediate investigation into Speaker Mapisa-Nqakula amid corruption allegations
4 March 2024
The allegations published by the Sunday Times regarding the purported acceptance of cash bribes by Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula during her tenure as the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans are gravely concerning. The accusations made by defence industry businesswoman Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, regarding the transfer of significant sums of cash, demand an immediate and thorough investigation.
It is for this reason that the Democratic Alliance (DA) will lodge a complaint with the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests in order to launch a thorough and expeditious investigation into these allegations. The integrity of our parliamentary institutions must be safeguarded, and those found guilty of corrupt activities must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
These corruption allegations come off the back of Mapisa-Nqakula approving a secret 70% salary hike for the Secretary to Parliament, Mr Xolile George, raising his salary from the advertised and approved maximum of R2.6 million to R4.4 million recently.
The DA is committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and integrity in public office. Corruption undermines the foundations of our democracy and erodes public trust in our institutions. These allegations represent a serious breach of public trust and demand swift and decisive action.
Parliament is the cornerstone of South Africa's democracy, tasked with representing the interests of its citizens and holding the executive accountable for its actions. As such, it cannot afford to be presided over by an individual embroiled in a corruption scandal. The Speaker of the National Assembly holds a position of immense responsibility, entrusted with upholding the principles of transparency, integrity, and accountability. Any perception of corruption undermines the credibility and effectiveness of Parliament in fulfilling its mandate to serve the people of South Africa.
Therefore, it is imperative that Speaker Mapisa-Nqakula is thoroughly investigated immediately to ensure that the integrity of Parliament is preserved and that those responsible for any wrongdoing are held accountable.
The DA remains unwavering in its commitment to combating corruption and ensuring that those entrusted with public office are held to the highest ethical standards.
Issued by Siviwe Gwarube, Chief Whip of the Official Opposition, 4 March 2024
