South Africa's Parliament Speaker Steps Down Amid Corruption Allegations
louis Buyisiwe
Apr 4, 2024
Johannesburg, South Africa – In a startling turn of events, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, the Speaker of South Africa's National Assembly, announced her immediate resignation on Wednesday. This development follows a series of investigations into alleged corrupt activities during her previous role as the country's Defence Minister.
Mapisa-Nqakula's tenure as Defence Minister, spanning from 2012 to 2021, has come under intense scrutiny following a raid on her residence last month. The operation, conducted by anti-corruption investigators, aimed to uncover the depth of the allegations, though specifics of the inquiry remain undisclosed.
In a statement released by Mapisa-Nqakula, she clarifies,
"My resignation should not be seen as an admission of guilt concerning the accusations against me." This move also includes her departure from parliament, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Reports from SABC, South Africa's national broadcaster, suggest that Mapisa-Nqakula might have been involved in financial misconduct, allegedly accepting millions in bribes from a defence contractor. Despite these serious allegations, no formal charges have been laid, and Mapisa-Nqakula's legal team recently faced a setback in court, failing to prevent her potential arrest.
As South Africa grapples with this high-profile resignation, questions about accountability and transparency within the government's ranks intensify. With no charges currently filed against Mapisa-Nqakula, the nation waits for further developments in this unfolding saga.
