NOW that the embattled former Parliament Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has resigned, opposition parties want the wheels of justice to turn.
She resigned on Wednesday, 3 April, with immediate effect.
GOOD secretary general Brett Herron said that while the principle of the presumption of innocence until proven guilty applies, the seniority of the Speaker's office requires an occupant of unquestionable ethics.
"The wheels of justice must now turn, either to determine Mapisa-Nqakula's guilt or to exonerate her," he said.
Herron said a Parliamentary vote to remove her, with the ANC using its majority to protect her, would have been distasteful and deepened citizens' cynicism about politics and voting on the eve of a critical election.
"Since news of her imminent arrest emerged, GOOD has called on the ANC to do the right thing, cut the Speaker loose, and spare the country further hand-wringing and humiliation," he said.
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The IFP said resignation was a responsible decision by Mapisa-Nqakula as it allows her to focus on her legal matters without dragging Parliament along any further.
IFP spokesman Mkhuleko Hlengwa said: "In the remaining weeks of its term of office, the National Assembly still has work and business which must continue without compromise or interruption.
"The IFP maintains that the law must apply without any fear or favour, and we implore on the former Speaker to subject herself to the legal processes until their legal and logical conclusion."
EFF spokesman Sinawo Thambo said Mapisa-Nqakula's step down was long-overdue.
He said her alleged involvement in receiving more than R4,5 million in bribes during her tenure as defence minister highlights the severity of the allegations against her and reveals that what the ANC considers the best among its ranks is the worst for the nation.
Thambo said: "Her departure from these roles is a significant development, albeit one that has been far too delayed and avoided by her arrogance. It's evident that Mapisa-Nqakula's resignation comes as a result of mounting pressure and public scrutiny, rather than a genuine acknowledgment of her own lack of integrity and the compromised integrity of Parliament under her stewardship.
"We call for swift action to be taken to investigate and prosecute her and all those implicated in corruption and malfeasance, such as President Cyril Ramaphosa himself, who still has not accounted for the crime scene that is Phala Phala."
Mapisa-Nqakula went on leave two weeks ago following the raid at her home in connection with the R4,5 million tjotjo.
The bribes were allegedly paid in cash during her tenure as defence minister.
Her party, the ANC, confirmed that her resignation letter was officially received by the office of the secretary-general of the ANC, Fikile Mbalula.
"In her resignation, Comrade Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula highlighted her intention to protect the reputation of our organisation, the African National Congress, after dedicating more than 30 years of service. We value her commitment to maintaining the image of our organisation, as it reflects our principles of organisational renewal that promote proactive responsibility-taking among members, rather than waiting for instructions to step aside," said ruling party spokeswoman Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri.
DA's Siviwe Gwarube said the official opposition has long called for the former Speaker's resignation when allegations of corruption and money laundering were levelled against her.
"We believe that anyone who holds this high office should be beyond reproach, and Ms Mapisa-Nqakula is not suited for it," she said.
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