ANC Veterans League says Mapisa-Nqakula's resignation ensures Parly 'left with dignity intact'

JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) Veterans League said Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula needed to be commended for resigning as Speaker of Parliament, adding that her decision ensured Parliament’s dignity remained intact.

Mapisa-Nqakula resigned as a member of Parliament (MP) and Speaker of the House on Wednesday in the face of an impending arrest.

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She’s facing multiple graft charges linked to an alleged bribe worth R4.5 million during her time as the country’s defence minister.

Mapisa-Nqakula’s resignation, for the ANC Veterans League, spared both the National Assembly and the governing party, of which she’s a member, from public embarrassment.

The veteran’s league president, Snuki Zikalala, told Eyewitness News that Mapisa-Nqakula’s actions showed that she knew she was not bigger than Parliament and the ANC.

"It will definitely save the African National Congress and also ensure that Parliament is left with its dignity intact."

At the same time, the Freedom Front Plus’s (FF Plus) leader, Dr Pieter Groenewald, told Eyewitness News that Mapisa-Nqakula was a disgrace.

He criticised her failed bid to halt her pending arrest via the courts. Mapisa-Nqakula argued that being taken into custody would tarnish her image.

"How can she think that she is above the law? Therefore, she must follow the same procedure as we are ordinary citizens. If it was me, I would have been arrested."

Mapisa-Nqakula said her resignation was not an admission of guilt but instead to uphold the dignity and sanctity of Parliament.