Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, a stalwart of the African National Congress (ANC) and former Speaker of South Africa’s National Assembly, has tendered her resignation amidst allegations of bribery dating back to her tenure as defense minister.
The move, which precedes a crucial national election, casts a shadow over the ruling party and underscores the pervasive issue of corruption within South African politics.
Mapisa-Nqakula’s decision to step down follows a judge’s ruling allowing her arrest on charges of soliciting bribes amounting to over 2.3 million Rand from a defense contractor. Despite maintaining her innocence and attributing the allegations to political motives, she deemed it necessary to relinquish her parliamentary positions to address the investigation against her.
In her resignation statement, Mapisa-Nqakula expressed her commitment to clearing her name through due process while acknowledging the imperative to protect the integrity of both the National Assembly and the ANC.
Her departure marks a significant development in South African politics, as it underscores the need for accountability and transparency within the country’s leadership ranks.
The ANC commended Mapisa-Nqakula for her proactive stance in resigning, citing her dedication to upholding the organization’s reputation after decades of service.
However, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) criticized the timing of her resignation, characterizing it as long overdue and attributing it to external pressure rather than genuine introspection.
Furthermore, the EFF called for a comprehensive investigation into corruption allegations against other prominent figures within the ANC, including President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The party emphasized the urgency of holding accountable those implicated in corrupt activities, asserting that the integrity of South Africa’s democracy hinges on swift and decisive action against malfeasance.