The Democratic Alliance (DA) has formally initiated a motion of no-confidence against National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, following the Hawks’ escalation of her corruption case.
DA blasts Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula’s ‘unlawful’ special leave
The motion, presented by DA Chief Whip Siviwe Gwarube, cites allegations against Mapisa-Nqakula for corruptly receiving at least R 2.3 million in bribes from a former military contractor during her tenure as Minister of Defence and Military Veterans.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) conducted a raid on Mapisa-Nqakula’s home on Tuesday, 19 March 2024, related to these allegations.
Additionally, Mapisa-Nqakula is under investigation by the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests for allegedly breaching the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests, and the Powers and Privileges Committee for possible contempt of Parliament.
The motion argues for Mapisa-Nqakula’s removal from office, highlighting the duty of public officeholders to act with integrity and diligence.
It notes that the allegations and ongoing investigations have diminished public and parliamentary confidence in the integrity of Parliament’s management and affected the Speaker’s ability to uphold the assembly’s dignity and decorum.
“The Speaker as a member of the Executive Authority of Parliament has an obligation to perform her duties and perform her functions with honesty and diligence, in accordance with the highest ethical standards, and to act in all respects in a manner that is consistent with the integrity of this high public office,” the motion reads.
What happens if Mapisa-Nqakula motion of no-confidence is passed
If the motion of no-confidence against Mapisa-Nqakula succeeds, it would necessitate her immediate removal from the position of Speaker.
This would trigger the need for the National Assembly to elect a new Speaker to ensure the continuity of legislative functions and uphold the parliamentary system’s integrity.
The selection of a new Speaker would occur internally within the National Assembly, where members would vote to appoint a replacement from their ranks.
Of course, this scenario only plays out if ANC MPs, who hold the majority in the National Assembly, vote in favour of the motion.
However, for the opposition, this could play well into their hands since protecting Mapisa-Nqakula from her removal would send a strong message to the public ahead of the crucial national elections in May 2024.
A date for the motion has yet to be announced.
Disgraced speaker due in court for corruption
Amid these corruption claims, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has opted to take special leave.
This decision comes in light of accusations that she accepted millions of rand in bribes from a military contractor during her previous role as the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans.
On Friday, Mapisa-Nqakula communicated her decision to take leave to both the President and the Secretary of Parliament, explaining that her action aims to protect the integrity of the Parliament.
She also cancelled her scheduled trip to Switzerland for the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly, indicating the gravity of the situation and her acknowledgement of the need to address the allegations.
As speculation about her arrest persists, the Speaker has since filed a court application to gain access to the entire case docket, “without limitation.”
“The ultimate purpose of this application is to protect my constitutional rights in respect inter alia to freedom, and dignity, including my rights to good name and reputation and self esteem as well as to pursue a vocation of my choosing,” said Mapisa-Nqakula in her affidavit filed in the Pretoria High Court.
If granted, Mapisa-Nqakula will have full access to the case docket, evidence collected thus far, and crucially, witness statements and their respective identities.