In wake of Mapisa-Nqakula corruption matter, opposition parties again call for lifestyle audits of top officials

JOHANNESBURG - Parties on the opposition benches have again called for lifestyle audits on top-ranking officials as corruption claims cast doubt on the integrity of the national executive.

The renewed calls follow the arrest of former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.

The 67-year-old ended her run in office with a cloud over her head amid claims she had a hand in a dodgy contract during her time as defence minister.

She now faces criminal charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering.

ALSO READ:

• Lifestyle audits of Cabinet members still not complete, Ramaphosa tells MPs

• Lifestyle audits concluded in 24 national, 71 provisional departments - Ntshavheni

• Lifestyle audits could have unveiled Mashatile's alleged corruption - Steenhuisen

Some political parties believe it is the ultimate indictment on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s tenure that six years since he promised to conduct lifestyle audits on Cabinet members, the process is incomplete and inconclusive.

Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen said that Ramaphosa’s failure to hold Cabinet to account was the reason maladministration flies under the radar.

"If he had kept his election promise of lifestyle audits in 2019, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula would never have been able to pass the lifestyle audit because she never would have been able to explain the lavish lifestyle she was leading as a result of these alleged bribes."

Speaking on the sidelines of the signing of the electoral code of conduct on Thursday, Freedom Front Plus leader Pieter Groenewald pinned the rot on cadre deployment.

"We must have only one criteria and that is merit. If we appoint people – it doesn’t matter where – it must be based on merit."

Both leaders believe more needs to be done to protect the image of the executive and the legislature.