Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, resigned from her duties as both Speaker and a Member of Parliament on Wednesday, March 3rd, following the Gauteng High Court’s dismissal of her bid to interdict her arrest on charges of bribery, corruption and money laundering. 

She had recently taken special leave to deal with the allegations, including accusations of corruption, bribery and money laundering. She faces 12 counts of corruption and for the alleged soliciting of bribes from a service provider in 2016 during her tenure as Defence Minister. Mapisa-Nqakula is also alleged to have received a series of payments worth R4,5 million.

The resignation was confirmed through a statement from Parliament, where Mapisa-Nqakula stated that she made the conscious decision in order to dedicate her time and focus to dealing with her ongoing investigation.

She further stated that the action she has taken is not an admission of guilt.

“My resignation is in no way an indication or admission of guilt regarding the allegations being levelled against me. I have made this 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 as a whole,” the statement read.

Moreover, she took the opportunity to remind the nation of the critical nature of the Speaker’s position in the reconstruction and development of our country. She added that it was her responsibility to protect and preserve the integrity of Parliament by ensuring its sacred work continues without blemish.

“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.”

Ultimately, Mapisa-Nqakula expressed her gratitude for the leadership roles she has been given the opportunity to occupy, indicated that she remains a loyal and dedicated member of the African National Congress.