Mapisa-Nqakula takes special leave to 'protect the integrity of Parliament' amid graft allegations against her
It’s alleged the National Assembly she received over R2 million in tender bribes from a contractor to the defence force while she was the defence minister.
Parliament Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula in Parliament on Thursday, 29 September 2022. Picture: GCIS
CAPE TOWN - Amid reports of her imminent arrest, National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has taken immediate special leave as the head of Parliament.
Mapisa-Nqakula announced her decision on Thursday night, hours before she was expected to depart for Switzerland on her third international engagement in as many weeks.
Earlier this week, her Johannesburg house was raided by the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate in connection with corruption allegations during her tenure as defence minister.
It’s alleged she received over R2 million in tender bribes from a contractor to the defence force while she was the defence minister.
In a statement issued by Parliament, Mapisa-Nqakula says she’s willing to play ball with law enforcement agencies on any matter that arises against her.
"My lawyers have, however, proactively informed the National Prosecution Authority of my readiness to comply and cooperate should the need arise," she said.
But she says despite the five-hour long search and seizure operation at her home this week, there’s been no formal notification neither to her nor her legal team of an arrest warrant having been issued.
Given the seriousness of the allegations, Mapisa-Nqakula says she’s decided to take special leave "effective immediately" - which has been communicated to the president, the secretary to Parliament and the African National Congress.
She was due to lead a parliamentary delegation on Friday to attend the 148th session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly taking place in Switzerland.
Consequently, she will not be gracing the gathering.
On Wednesday, the Democratic Alliance said it was considering tabling a motion of no confidence in Mapisa-Nqakula if she didn’t step down.
This week Parliament’s joint ethics committee also committed to completing all pending investigations before the end of the parliamentary term, including a complaint against Mapisa-Nqakula.
Mapisa-Nqakula says her decision to take leave from her job reaffirms her commitment to upholding the integrity of her office, and her full cooperation with the legal process.