WHILE the DA demands a motion of no confidence against National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, EFF wants her arrested.
Official Opposition Chief Whip, Siviwe Gwarube said on Tuesday, 2 April, that the DA has written to the Deputy Speaker, Lechesa Tsenoli, demanding the immediate scheduling of the motion.
“The Deputy Speaker has confirmed to the DA that the motion had been tabled last week. There's no reason for a special sitting to not be convened and the matter voted on,” she said.
Gwarube pointed out that Parliament has a responsibility to hold the Speaker to account, and MPs cannot be crippled by the ANC and its own processes in performing this role.
She said: “Once a motion has been tabled, it has to be deliberated and voted on without delay, the rules of the National Assembly demand.
“Additionally, the DA welcomes today’s ruling by the Pretoria High Court, which dismissed Speaker Mapisa-Nqakula's bid for an interdict against her arrest. This decision underscores the urgency and necessity of proceeding with the motion of no confidence in her.”
Gwarube said the court's ruling sends a clear message that the legal process must be allowed to take its course, and individuals facing allegations can't evade accountability.
She claims that the Speaker’s alleged attempt to halt her potential arrest has been rebuffed by the court, affirming that no one is above the law.
“Given the severity of the allegations against Mapisa-Nqakula, including 12 counts of corruption and money laundering, it's imperative that Parliament acts as a matter of urgency to address the motion of no confidence,” Gwarube said.
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EFF spokesman, Sinawo Thambo said the party demands Mapisa-Nqakula’s immediate arrest after her failed attempt to evade justice through an urgent court application to block her arrest on corruption allegations.
“The recent ruling by Gauteng High Court Judge Sulet Potterill, striking down Mapisa-Nqakula's application, is a resounding victory for accountability and the rule of law,” he said.
The charges Mapisa-Nqakula faces stem from allegations that she took more than R4.5 million tjotjo while she was the minister of defence.
Thambo said no individual, regardless of their position or perceived importance, should be above the law.
He said: “Mapisa-Nqakula's assertion of her own significance as South Africa's 'third most important functionary' is both arrogant and irrelevant in the face of allegations of corruption and money laundering.
“We demand that law enforcement agencies swiftly proceed with the arrest of Mapisa-Nqakula and ensure that she faces the full consequences of her actions. The EFF won't stand idly by while those entrusted with public office betray the trust of the people and undermine the integrity of our democracy.”
