Speaker should step down after home raid

19 March 2024

The FF Plus welcomes the investigation and raid conducted by the Investigating Directorate (ID) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) at the home of Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Speaker of the National Assembly (NA).

The investigation reportedly relates to Mapisa-Nqakula's conduct while serving as the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans. She allegedly accepted bribes amounting to R2,3 million in the form of "gifts" from a service provider of the National Defence Force.

The FF Plus would like to see The Hawks conduct their investigation swiftly and thoroughly. The South African public have the right to know the truth.

Mapisa-Nqakula should immediately step down as Speaker seeing as the allegations relate to her integrity.

Remaining in office while the investigation is ongoing would taint Parliament's integrity as well.

The speaker ought to serve as a symbol of Parliament's integrity, honesty, respect and accountability. And it is precisely these qualities that are being called into question.

Issued by Pieter Groenewald, FF Plus leader, 19 March 2024