By: Natasha Archary

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has welcomed the resignation of Nosiviwe Mapia-Nqakula, the former Speaker of Parliament.
On Wednesday, 03 April Mapisa-Nqakula submitted her resignation following 12 charges of corruption and money laundering levelled against her.
This after the disgraced former Speaker failed in her bid to interdict her arrest, following a search and seizure operation at her Bruma home on 19 March.
In her resignation letter, Mapisa-Nqakula maintained her innocence but said her decision to step down from her role comes to ensure the integrity of Parliament is not tainted.
“My resignation is in no way an indication or admission of guilt regarding the allegations being levelled against me.
I have made a decision in order to uphold the integrity and sanctity of our Parliament, an apex institution of our system of government, representing the people of South Africa.
Given the seriousness of the much-publicised allegations against me, I cannot continut in this role. As a country’s chief lawmaker, I hold a central responsibility to protect and preserve the integrity of Parliament by ensuring that my actions ensure that its sacred work must continue without blemish.
I believe that, at the right time, I will have the opportunity to thoroughly address these allegations as and when they have been formally brought against me in the appropriate forums, at which time I will clear my good name.
I maintain my innocence and am determined to restore my good reputation.”
Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula resigns as Speaker of Parliament
The former Speaker’s resignation has been welcomed by the EFF who say it was long overdue and comes due to mounting pressure and public scrutiny ahead of the upcoming elections.
“Her departure from these roles is a significant development, albeit one that has been far too delayed and avoided by her arrogance.
It is evident that Mapisa-Nqakula’s resignation comes as a result of mounting pressure and public scrutiny, rather than a genuine acknowledgment of her own lack of integrity and the compromised integrity of Parliament under her stewardship.
Her involvement in receiving over R4.5 million in bribes during her tenure as Minister of Defence highlights the severity of the allegations against her and reveals that what the ANC considers the best amongst its ranks is the worst for our nation.
Mapisa-Nqakula’s purported reason for resigning, which she claims is to protect the integrity of Parliament, rings hollow in light of her recent audacious attempt to evade accountability for her alleged corrupt actions.
Just this week, she brazenly sought to interdict her own arrest, demonstrating a flagrant disregard for the gravity of the
charges against her and proving that she has no genuine interest in cooperating with law enforcement agencies.The EFF reiterates that Mapisa-Nqakula must be arrested and considers her resignation as just one step towards restoring accountability and transparency in Parliament.”
Listen to the conversation on Point of View:
EFF Statement Welcoming The Resignation Of Former Speaker Of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula
-The EFF reiterates that Mapisa-Nqakula must be arrested and considers her resignation as just one step towards restoring accountability and transparency in Parliament. pic.twitter.com/cHmcbfmmcc
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) April 3, 2024
An investigation brought to light that Mapisa-Nqakula allegedly accepted R2.3 million in bribes.
These alleged transgressions reportedly took place while Mapisa-Nqakula was moonlighting as Defence Minister, between November 2016 and July 2019.
Amongst the allegations Mapisa-Nqakula faces, is the 70% salary increase that she now needs to explain authorizing for Parliament’s Secretary, Xolile George.
George’s annual salary increased from R2.6 million to R4.4 million in less than a year, which meant he earned more than President Cyril Ramaphosa following his appointment in June 2022.
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