Ramaphosa reacts to Mapisa-Nqakula’s court appearance

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reacted to former National Assembly Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula’s R4.5 million graft allegations.

Mapisa-Nqakula was granted R50 000 bail after she appeared at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 4 April. She had handed herself over at the Lyttelton Police Station in Centurion the same day.

RAMAPHOSA REACTS TO MAPISA-NQAKULA’S WOES

Mapisa-Nqakula faces 12 charges of corruption and one for money laundering. She allegedly received R4.5 million kickbacks from a contractor during her tenure as Defence Minister. This was between 2016 and 2019.

According to the State, the charges include 12 counts of corruption under Preca (Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act) and one of money laundering under Poca (Prevention of Organised Crime Act)

The matter was postponed to 4 June. The State indicated that it will add another accused person before the next court appearance.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Ramaphosa said Mapisa-Nqakula should be commended for her decision to resign.

“The former Speaker said she wants to resign not so much because she’s guilty but she’s doing it to respect Parliament, the ANC and government as a whole.

“We should recognise that her level of integrity for our democracy has made her do this. That should be commended and should be applauded,” he said.

Spoke to the media on the recent developments relating to former Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula. pic.twitter.com/JSN6CwxoID

— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) April 4, 2024

ANC VETERAN RESIGNS AS SPEAKER AND MP

Following mounting pressure from opposition parties, Mapisa-Nqakula finally resigned as Speaker and a Member of Parliament.

She insisted that her resignation is not an admission of guilt.

The African National Congress (ANC) veteran said she made the conscious decision to dedicate her time and focus to dealing with the probe against her.

“I have decided to uphold the integrity and sanctity of our Parliament.

“The position of Speaker of the National Assembly is critical in the reconstruction and development of our country. Given the seriousness of the allegations against me, I cannot continue in this role,” Mapisa-Nqakula said.

Despite resigning as Speaker of the National Assembly and a Member of Parliament, Mapisa-Nqakula said she remains a loyal member of the ruling party.

Opposition parties welcomed her resignation.

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