NATIONAL Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has dismissed claims of taking bribes totaling R2,3 million.
The bribery allegedly happened while she was the minister of defence.
The Sunday Times reported that Mapisa-Nqakula was named in an affidavit submitted to the Investigative Directorate (ID) by the owner of Umkhombe Marine, Nombasa Ntsodwa-Ndlovu, a company responsible for transporting SANDF cargo for military missions.
But the former minister said on Monday, 4 March, that she has never been involved in any corrupt activities.
“The Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula categorically denies any involvement in alleged corrupt activities pertaining to her tenure as the minister of defence and military veterans. She expressed deep concern about the allegations, including a purported affidavit by one of the department's former service providers, all of which she only learned about through the Sunday Times,” said Mapisa-Nqakula’s adviser, Mike Ramagoma.
The media report claimed that Umkhombe Marine secured tenders worth R210 million in 2019 for freight and logistics services.
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The bribe money was allegedly paid in cash on 10 different occasions.
Ramagoma: “The speaker believes investigations of this nature ought to be conducted with the utmost diligence and respect for due process, and accordingly, finds the manner in which this purported investigation has been conducted and shared with the media highly objectionable.
“Throughout her public service career, the speaker has upheld the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct and has fiercely advocated against corruption, which she continued to regard as a direct threat to the principles of democracy and good governance.”
United Democratic Front (UDM) leader Bantu Holomisa has called for speedy investigation in the matter.
Mapisa-Nqakula said she was committed to fully co-operate with any formal investigation into these allegations.
“She remains steadfast in her conviction of innocence and her dedication to continue serving the public with honour and integrity,” said Ramagoma.
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