Mapisa-Nqakula resigns as National Assembly speaker

National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula resigned from her position and also as an MP on Wednesday. This comes only two days after she lost a court bid to interdict her arrest over corruption allegations. 

Mapisa-Nqakula is being accused of soliciting a bribe totalling R4.55m when she was still a defence minister.

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“Given the seriousness of the much publicised allegations against me, I can not continue in this role,” she said in her resignation letter. 

“As a country’s chief lawmaker, I hold a central responsibility to protect and preserve the integrity of Parliament. By ensuring that my actions ensure that this sacred work must continue without blemish.”

“My resignation is in no way an indication or admission of guilt regarding the allegations being levelled against me,” she added. 

NOSIVIWE MAPISA-NQKULA HAS EXPLAINED WHY SHE RESIGNED AS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SPEAKER 

“I have made a decision in order to uphold the integrity and sanctity of our Parliament. An apex institution of our system of government, representing the people of South Africa.

“I believe that, at the right time, I will have the opportunity to thoroughly address these allegations as and when they have been formally brought against me in the appropriate forums, at which time I will clear my good name. I maintain my innocence and am determined to restore my good reputation.”

“Given the public trust entrusted in me as a Speaker of our National Assembly and the need for me to protect the image of our organisation, the African National Congress, I have an obligation, despite the principle that I should be deemed innocent, to step down from my office.”

Mapisa-Nqakula has also confirmed that she had written to the ANC about her decision. She also thanked the party for having given her the opportunity and trusted her with many senior leadership responsibilities.