Mapisa-Nqakula faces motion of no confidence from the DA
Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula is facing a motion of no confidence tabled against her by the DA.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has submitted a formal motion of no confidence against National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.
The decision comes as the Speaker is facing a probe over alleged corruption and money laundering during her tenure as Defence Minister.
DA TABLES MOTION OF NO CONFIDENCE IN NOSIVIWE MAPISA-NQAKULA
When the corruption allegations surfaced earlier this month, various opposition parties called for the Speaker to step down. However, Mapisa-Nqakula only took “special leave” after the NPA’s Investigating Directorate raided her home in Bruma, Johannesburg.
On Friday, 22 March, Mapisa-Nqakula reportedly handed herself over to police, however, she launched an urgent court bid to halt her arrest.
DA Chief Whip Siviwe Gwarube said Mapisa-Nqakula must resign or be removed by a motion of no confidence. Anything less than that will mock Parliament and, more importantly, South Africa.
The DA wants the motion to be debated and voted on before the House rises and the expiration of this term.
Gwarube said they will be writing to all political parties represented in Parliament to support our motion to remove the Speaker in terms of Section 52(4) of the Constitution.
“The rules of Parliament do not make provision for ‘special leave’ taken by a member by a unilateral decision. Special leave is only granted by a full sitting of the House through a formal motion adopted in rule 36(2) of the National Assembly rules.
“Alternatively, a member may be granted five days of special leave with approval from their political party. Based on the communication of the ANC last night, it would seem this is not the case,” Gwarube explained.
The EFF and DA have referred the allegations against the Speaker to the Joint Committee on Ethics.
The ANC noted the Speaker’s special leave from her duties in Parliament. The party said it will implement the step aside once more facts unfold.
Mapisa-Nqakula is reportedly one of those who will retire in politics after the elections in May this year.