Calls for Mapisa-Nqakula to resign grow
The EFF has called for the removal of Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula following allegations of corruption during her time as Defence Minister.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has called for the immediate removal of Parliament Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula over the alleged R2.3 million SANDF bribe scandal.
Mapisa-Nqakula allegedly received a R2.3 million bribe during her tenure as the Defence Minister.
CALLS FOR NOSIVIWE MAPISA-NQAKULA TO RESIGN
Sunday Times reported that Mapisa-Nqakula was fingered in the cash bribery scandal by an affidavit submitted to the Investigative Directorate.
According to the affidavit filed by the owner of Umkhombe Marine Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, the former defence minister received cash bribes delivered in gift bags from the company between 2016 and 2019.
In turn, Umkhombe Marine was awarded tenders worth over R200 million for freight and logistics to the SANDF.
Recently, Mapisa-Nqakula was in hot water for approving a secret 70% salary hike for the Secretary to Parliament, Xolile George. She allegedly raised his salary from the advertised and approved maximum of R2.6 million to R4.4 million.
OPPOSITION PARTIES VOW TO TAKE ACTION
Following the damning revelation, opposition parties have called for Mapisa-Nqakula to resign.
The EFF said its Parliamentary Caucus will report the Speaker to the Ethics Committee so that she is held accountable for allegedly taking bribes.
“Such blatant disregard for ethical conduct and the rule of law cannot be tolerated,” the party said.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) said it will also complain to the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests to launch a thorough and expeditious investigation into these allegations.
DA Chief Whip Siviwe Gwarube said 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,” Gwarube said.