President Ramaphosa gives reasons why embattled former Speaker, Mapisa-Nqakula, resigns
President Cyril Ramaphosa has applauded former Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula following her decision to resign to protect the integrity of Parliament and the African National Congress (ANC).
According to Ramaphosa, Mapisa-Nqakula had stated that she wished to step down to safeguard the government, the ruling party, and the national legislature rather than because she was guilty.
He stated that despite the difficulties she was facing, they should be proud of Mapisa-Nqakula for making such a choice.
She honours the judicial system and all of the court proceedings, the President stressed.
”The former speaker said she wants to resign, not so much because she is guilty,” said Ramaphosa.
“She is doing it to respect Parliament, the ANC and the government as a whole. We should recognise that her level of integrity for our democracy has made her do this. That should be commended and she should be applauded.”
Recalled that Mapisa-Nqakula appeared in court a day after she resigned as a member of Parliament and speaker of the National Assembly.
She is accused of taking bribes amounting to R4.5 million from a service provider in the Department of Defence while serving as the minister.
A few weeks ago, the Investigating Directorate (ID) of the National Prosecuting Authority searched and seized several things from her Johannesburg home.
She has since denied all the charges against her and declared her innocence.
