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Motion to remove Mapisa-Nqakula from office on the cards

todayMarch 22, 2024 60

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A political turmoil is brewing ahead of the much-anticipated general elections, with the country’s Parliament Speaker in hot water over corruption claims.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has filed a motion of no confidence against Parliament Speaker, Nosiviwe Mpaisa-Nqakula.
The official opposition says anything less than a removal of the Speaker will be a mockery to Parliament and South Africa.
The Head of the National Legislature is embroiled in bribery allegations worth more than R4 million during her tenure as the Defence Minister.
Her Johannesburg home was raided by the NPA’s Investigating Directorate on Tuesday.
The Speaker has since taken special leave from her position, sparking fury from opposition parties who say there is no provision for such in the country’s Constitution.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is among the parties who believe that the Speaker must resign with immediate effect.

Supporting a motion against Mapisa-Nqakula, FF Plus’ Dr Corne Mulder says this is the right way to go, unless Mapisa-Nqakula resigns as soon as possible.
He says special leave has become a term used when people are in serious trouble. According to Mulder, it does not apply to the Speaker.
Rise Mzansi has also joined the many political parties calling for the Speaker’s head.
The party’s  Boitumelo Mpakanyane says the dignity and reputation of Parliament suffers with every hour that passes with Mapisa-Nqakula in office.
“If there is one institution of democracy that has been muted by the current government it is Parliament, a place that is meant to be the voice of the people.”
“The developments around the Speaker are also indicative of the governing party’s lack of judgment and respect for Parliament.”
Earlier today, Mapisa-Nqakula launched a 94-page application to interdict her arrest.
She wants the state to furnish her with the docket containing the charges levelled against her with the evidence supporting the claims.
The Speaker says the urgency of the matter is underpinned by several issues, including the false allegations of her agreement to hand herself over to authorities at the Lyttleton Police Station.
She is also challenging the manner in which the search and seizure warrant was obtained and the operation itself.

In a statement, the Speaker slams media reports that she handed herself over to authorities in Pretoria this morning.
She says she believes political point scoring is to blame for the vicious rumour, which she has described a ‘trial by the media’.
Mapisa-Nqakula blamed UDM leader, Bantu Holomisa, for sparking reports of her arrest.
“We can confirm that the Speaker and her family are at home and that she has had no interaction with the NPA ID since the Search and Seizure operation at her house on Tuesday.”
“The Speaker’s legal team will communicate any developments in the case to both the public and the media.”
South Africans are also weighing in on the matter on social media.

Written by: Lindiwe Mpanza

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