In a recent turn of events, prominent opposition parties in South Africa have voiced a unanimous demand for the resignation of National Assembly Speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, due to surrounding corruption allegations.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have both stressed the necessity for immediate action. The DA has urged for quick intervention by the National Assembly, while the EFF argues against the need for a preliminary parliamentary inquiry, as reported by EWN.
These concerns have been formally addressed as both parties have submitted complaints regarding Mapisa-Nqakula to the Parliament’s ethics committee. Interestingly, Mapisa-Nqakula was absent from a parliamentary meeting as she is currently in Paris for a summit focusing on women speakers, which is where calls for her resignation were amplified by both the DA and EFF.
— Carl Niehaus (@niehaus_carl) March 6, 2024
Opposition Stance on the Issue
DA Chief Whip Siviwe Gwarube expressed worry over the timing of the corruption allegations, noting that they have arisen while Mapisa-Nqakula is already under scrutiny for an ethics complaint related to an undisclosed pay raise for the secretary to Parliament.
“We can’t have a situation where the leader of an institution has these kinds of allegations hanging over their head, and that is why the ethics committee must investigate this thoroughly.”
Laeticia Allies of the EFF proposed a more aggressive approach, suggesting:
“We should take a stand and as the National Assembly convene all party leaders and chief whips and agree to move an urgent resolution to remove her.”
Adding to the chorus, EFF Member Carl Niehaus shared his agreement with Allies’ stance through his X (formerly known as Twitter) account. Niehaus disclosed plans to hold an X space discussion with Paul Ngobeni, focusing on the imperative need for Mapisa-Nqakula’s resignation amidst the bribery allegations.
This situation has spotlighted the critical need for transparency and integrity within South Africa’s parliamentary system, calling into question the ethical standards expected of its leaders. The unfolding scenario is a pivotal moment, highlighting the role of oversight and accountability mechanisms in governance. As the country watches, the outcomes of these allegations and the actions taken by Parliament’s ethics committee will undoubtedly have significant implications for political ethics and leadership standards in South Africa.
