Calls for Mapisa-Nqakula’s resignation as Speaker premature - Mashatile

CAPE TOWN - Deputy President Paul Mashatile said that calls for Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula’s resignation were "premature".

He acknowledged that the Speaker was facing several allegations of receiving bribes from a defence contractor, but he said she had not been charged yet.

Mashatile said that parties should allow the legal process to run its course.

The deputy president was responding to his last question and answer session in the National Assembly on Thursday.

The deputy president faced several questions around corruption and organised crime when he faced MPs on Thursday.

Mashatile was also asked about the Democratic Alliance (DA)'s pending motion of no confidence in Mapisa-Nqakula and calls for her resignation.

But he said it’s too early to ask her to resign.

"At the moment, because there are still investigations and she’s not charged. All that remains are allegations and therefore I think it would be premature to then ask the Speaker to relieve herself of her duties."

Mashatile also faced questions around his own corruption allegations and said he would be responding to questions from Parliament’s ethics committee in the next seven days.

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