ActionSA Welcomes Long Overdue Resignation of National Assembly Speaker Mapisa-Nqakula
3 April 2024
ActionSA welcomes the long overdue Resignation of National Assembly Speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, after she lost her court bid to interdict any possible arrest on serious corruption charges that she received 11 payments amounting to over R2 million between December 2016 and July 2019 when she was Minister of Defence.
As a party which stands by the rule of law and ethical leaders, ActionSA welcomes Mapisa-Nqakula’s resignation after her delay tactics to stall a possible arrest failed. We trust this is a positive step forward towards her speedy prosecution at a time when the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has failed to achieve any high-profile corruption prosecution in recent years.
It is, however, concerning that neither President Cyril Ramaphosa nor the ruling party has expressed concern over the National Assembly Speaker’s conduct and was even willing to keep her in the Speaker position in the form of special leave. This once again speaks to the lack of political will which exists within Ramaphosa’s administration to keep corrupt individuals accountable.
Earlier on Wednesday, ActionSA unveiled its plan to speed up NPA prosecutions such as those against the Mapisa-Nqakula by, among others, ensuring the NPA’s independence by significantly expanding its funding and allocating its budget directly from the Division of Revenue Act, instead of the Department of Justice.
We will furthermore ensure that the NDPP’s appointment process is led by a parliamentary committee that isn’t dominated by any majority party to safeguard their independence. We would establish a separate oversight committee to oversee the work of the NPA, including its budget, to prevent a repeat of the decimation of the body seen during the Zuma era.
ActionSA will introduce legislation to amend the Constitution to establish an independent Chapter 9 institution to combat corruption, alongside the return of the Scorpions specialised investigative unit. We will also increase the minimum sentence for anyone guilty of corruption in transactions exceeding R500,000 to 15 years imprisonment without the possibility of a fine or parole.
It is simply unacceptable that for many years politicians have gotten away with impunity, and therefore urgent action is required to fight corruption and restore the rule of law. While we welcome Mapisa-Nqakula’s resignation, we know true accountability will only take place once the ruling party is removed from power, and an alternative government is elected which will be decisive in keeping political leaders accountable.
Statement issued by Herman Mashaba, Action SA President, 3 April 2024
ANC STATEMENT ON THE RESIGNATION OF COMRADE NOSIVIWE MAPISA-NQAKULA
3 April 2024
The African National Congress (ANC) can confirm that Comrade Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula’s resignation letter has been officially received by the Office of the Secretary General of the ANC, Comrade Fikile Mbalula.
In her resignation, Comrade Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula highlighted her intention to protect the reputation of our organization, the African National Congress, after dedicating more than 30 years of service.
We value her commitment to maintaining the image of our organization, as it reflects our principles of organizational renewal that promote proactive responsibility-taking among members, rather than waiting for instructions to step aside.
Comrade Lechesa Tsenoli will continue in his role as the Acting Speaker. Should there be any other changes these will be communicated in due course.
Statement issued by Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, ANC national spokesperson, 3 April 2024
DA welcomes resignation of Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula as the Speaker of the National Assembly
3 April 2024
The DA welcomes the resignation of Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula from her position as the Speaker of the National Assembly. 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.
While we are unable to move the Motion of no Confidence against her anymore or pursue the case against her in the Ethics Committee, we do believe that law enforcement agencies must now move with speed to conclude the matter.
The DA will seek advice on the complaint against Mapisa-Nqakula and the Chairperson of the NCOP, Mr Masondo as it relates to the hiking of the Secretary to Parliament’s salary before the Powers and Privileges Committee. This is important as it relates to the institution and has implications on individuals who are still in Parliament. We cannot allow this matter to go unanswered.
It is critical that we instil a culture of accountability with those entrusted with public office. The law must apply to all with equal measure and consistency.
This resignation is 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.
Statement issued by Siviwe Gwarube MP - Chief Whip of the Official Opposition, DA, 3 April 2024
FF PLUS: Speaker had no choice but to resign
3 April 2024
The FF Plus welcomes the resignation of Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula as Speaker of the National Assembly (NA) and as Member of Parliament (MP).
She had no choice but to resign because in the position as Speaker she is supposed to set an example of integrity, honesty and respect to uphold Parliament's sanctity.
Mapisa-Nqakula compromised all these aspects and became an embarrassment for Parliament. So, she had to step down.
The special investigating team of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is busy investigating allegations that Mapisa-Nqakula was bribed with "gifts" from Defence Force contractors while serving as the Minister of Defence.
She was appointed as Minister of Defence and Military Veterans in 2012 and was replaced by Thandi Modise in 2021 after several scandals, such as the Guptas' landing at the Waterkloof Air Force Base, the misuse of an Air Force plane to transport ANC members to Harare, and the shortcomings in the Defence Force which became glaringly obvious during the unrest in 2021.
A number of whistle-blowers had already come forward in 2021, alleging that Mapisa-Nqakula had accepted millions in bribes from Defence Force contractors. It attracted extensive media coverage and she continued to deny the allegations.
The FF Plus was, for these reasons, strongly opposed to her appointment as Speaker right from the outset, and the party has now been proven right.
Mapisa-Nqakula has, however, set an example for other Members of Parliament, who find themselves in a similar situation with serious allegations levelled against them, to resign as MPs.
Statement issued by Dr. Pieter Groenewald, FF Plus leader, 4 April 2024
GOOD WELCOMES THE SPEAKER’S RESIGNATION
3 April 2024
GOOD welcomes the resignation of Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, who has been accused of serious corruption.
A parliamentary vote to remove her, with the ANC using its majority to protect her, would have been distasteful and deepened citizens’ cynicism about politics and voting on the eve of a critical election.
Since news of her imminent arrest emerged, GOOD has called on the ANC to do the right thing, cut the Speaker loose, and spare the country further hand-wringing and humiliation.
While the principle of the presumption of innocence until proven guilty applies, the seniority of the Speaker’s office requires an occupant of unquestionable ethics.
While we don’t know if Mapisa-Nqakula was pushed by her party, or voluntarily walked the plank, parliament’s integrity has been spared the spectacle of an unedifying debate on a motion of no confidence.
The wheels of justice must now turn, either to determine Mapisa-Nqakula’s guilt or to exonerate her.
Statement issued by Brett Herron, GOOD Secretary-General & Member of Parliament, 3 April 2024
IFP Statement on the Resignation of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mrs Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula
3 April 2024
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.
The IFP maintains that the law must apply without any fear or favour, and we implore on the former Speaker to subject herself to the legal processes until their legal and logical conclusion.
We thank her for her service, and wish her well in her future endeavors.
Statement issued by Mkhuleko Hlengwa Mp, IFP National Spokesperson, 3 April 2024
SACP welcomes the resignation of the National Assembly Speaker
Wednesday, 3 April 2024: The South African Communist Party (SACP) welcomes the statement of resignation by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, on Wednesday, 3 April 2024.
Her resignation is correctly sensitive to the comprehensive spirit, viewed purposively, of the “step aside” resolutions adopted by the African National Congress (ANC), with the support of SACP and other ANC-led Alliance partners, as well as most South Africans.
In her resignation statement, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula emphasised the critical importance of maintaining the integrity and sanctity of our Parliament. As an organ of the state tasked with law-making, Parliament also plays a vital role in holding the executive accountable. Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula stated that she cannot continue serving as the Speaker of the National Assembly in light of the highly publicised allegations against her. She expressed her intention to address these allegations in an appropriate forum and therefore believes it is best for her to step down.
Statement issued by the SACP, 3 April 2024
