Cape Town – The Democratic Alliance (DA) on Friday tabled a formal motion of no confidence against corruption-accused National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.
“Mapisa-Nqakula must resign or be removed through a motion of no confidence. Anything less than that will be a mockery of Parliament and more importantly, South Africa,” the DA said in a statement.
Reports of the Speaker’s imminent arrest have been doing the rounds since Thursday.
The DA said it has repeatedly called for the Speaker to resign as it is simply not fitting for the head of the national legislature to be facing allegations of corruption and arrest following a raid at her house this week.
“The announcement that she has taken ‘special leave’ and not resigned has left us with no choice but to submit a formal motion of no confidence to be debated and voted on before the House rises and the expiration of this term,” the DA said.
“We will be writing to all political parties represented in Parliament to support our motion for the removal of the Speaker in terms of Section 52(4) of the Constitution.”
The DA said the rules of Parliament do not make provision for “special leave” taken by a member by a unilateral decision.
“A special leave is only granted by a full sitting of the House; through a formal motion that is adopted in terms of rule 36(2) of the National Assembly rules,” the DA said.
“Alternatively, a member may be granted 5 days of special leave with approval from their political party. Based on the communication of the ANC last night, it would seem this is not the case,”‘ said the DA.
“This special leave is nothing more than a cop-out.
“Additionally, we call on the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and all law enforcement agencies to take necessary steps to prevent her from leaving the country.
“She has committed to cooperating with the investigation therefore she cannot leave the country without facing the music.”
The DA said Mapisa-Nqakula must resign or be removed through a motion of no confidence.
“Anything less than that will be a mockery of Parliament and more importantly, South Africa.”
Mapisa-Nqakula said she has informed her party – the governing African National Congress (ANC).
On Thursday the ANC commented on the matter on X saying, it “will enforce its integrity and step aside policies based on facts as they arise”.
Meanwhile, Mapisa-Nqakula has revealed in an affidavit that she has had “no interaction whatsoever” with the National Prosecuting Authority since the search and seizure at her Johannesburg home.
Mapisa-Nqakula’s office has said the raid on her home was being challenged in court.
The Speaker has also sought an interdict preventing her arrest.
Her lawyer filed court papers Friday morning to interdict the National Director of Public Prosecution Shamila Batohi, Police Minister Bheki Cele, and police investigators from arresting her.
It has since emerged that the warrant for Mapisa-Nqakula’s arrest was issued two weeks ago.
