National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has taken “special leave”, effective immediately, in the wake of reports of her imminent arrest on charges of corruption.
Mapisa-Nqakula said in a statement on Thursday that she has taken the decision given the “seriousness of the allegations and the attendant extensive media speculation”.
Her announcement comes days after her house in Bruma, Joburg, was raided. She is under investigation for allegedly soliciting bribes in return for contracts during her tenure as defence minister.
Mapisa-Nqakula, who was shifted from the defence portfolio after the July 2021 riots, has also been accused of wasting R7m on aircraft charters and other luxuries during her tenure.
In her statement she says neither she nor her legal team was aware of plans to arrest her.
“I wish to place it on record that while the Investigating Directorate of the National Prosecuting Authority [NPA] conducted a search and seizure at my residence, there has been no formal notification of an arrest warrant or communication regarding an imminent arrest for me, neither to me nor my legal team. My lawyers have, however, proactively informed the NPA of my readiness to comply and co-operate should the need arise,” she says.
“As the speaker of the sixth parliament of the Republic of South Africa, I hold the utmost respect for our legislative system and the laws of our nation, some of which I have been privileged to pass. I assure the nation of my willingness to co-operate fully with law enforcement agencies on any matter that may arise.”
She took the decision to take special leave “by herself” to “protect the integrity of parliament and ensure its sacred duty and its name continue unblemished”, the statement says.
“Consequently, therefore, I will also not be attending the long-planned 148th session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly taking place in Geneva, Switzerland,” she adds.
Parliament had earlier on Thursday announced the trip to Switzerland, and speculation was rife that she would be leaving the country, amid reports of her imminent arrest.
In her statement, she says she has communicated her decision to the ANC.
The party is facing its toughest election yet and the possibility of falling below 50% nationally, as well as the potential loss of two key provinces, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, which have the largest and second-largest number of registered voters. Perceptions of corruption, state capture and wasting taxpayer money have dogged the party for years and it has been paying the price at the polls. Mapisa-Nqakula’s move can be seen as an attempt to manage voter perceptions ahead of the polls.
“I hope this statement clarifies my position, reaffirms my commitment to upholding the integrity of my office, and demonstrates my full co-operation with the legal process,” her statement reads.
If arrested, Mapisa-Nqakula would be the first senior ANC leader to face censure for corruption allegations during their tenure as minister. Former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule is on trial for corruption linked to allegations during his tenure as Free State premier. Former president Jacob Zuma is also on trial for corruption; he has since left the ANC and formed the MK Party, unsettling the ANC ahead of the May 29 election, particularly in KZN.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.