Mapisa-Nqakula’s future in Parliament uncertain as her deputy considers DA's no-confidence debate request

CAPE TOWN - While National Assembly (NA) Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula fights for her reputation in court, her deputy in Parliament says he’s giving careful consideration to a request from the Democratic Alliance (DA) for a motion of no confidence to be debated. 

DA chief whip Siviwe Gwarube says if Mapisa-Nqakula does not resign, she must be forced out of office. 

Gwarube tabled the motion last week and said she’s confident of the support from other opposition parties.  

There are only three plenary sessions left this week before the NA is due to rise for electioneering. 

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But Gwarube says Parliament remains a functional body until the May elections and Mapisa-Nqakula can’t be allowed to remain in office, despite having taken special leave. 

Mapisa-Nqakula is trying to prevent her arrest on corruption charges linked to her tenure as defence minister following a raid on her home last week. 

"Ultimately the rules are on our side that it has to be scheduled one way or the other. Considering that Parliament is competent until at least May, we are confident that we will be able to have the matter considered in this term still."

Parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo says Deputy Speaker Lechesa Tsenoli is aware of the importance of dealing with such an important issue within a reasonable time frame. 

He says a decision will be communicated once all aspects have been thoroughly evaluated.