The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, to be referred to the ethics committee following allegations of bribery and corruption during her tenure as the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans.
Chief Whip of the DA, Siviwe Gwarube said: “The accusations made by defence industry businesswoman, Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, regarding the transfer of significant sums of cash, demand an immediate and thorough investigation. It is for this reason that the Democratic Alliance (DA) will lodge a complaint with the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests in order to launch a thorough and expeditious investigation into these allegations.”
The bribes she allegedly accepted amount to R2.3 million. The businesswoman’s husband is a general in the SANDF’s military health service, and her company “secured tenders worth R210 million in 2019 for freight and logistics services.”
Mapisa-Nqakula is already under investigation following a complaint of allegedly misleading MPs about Parliament secretary Xolile George’s salary. In less than one year, his salary increased from an advertised and approved R2.6 million to R4.4 million.
The EFF wants Mapisa-Nqakula removed from her position. UDM leader Bantu Holomisa is also calling for an investigation into these allegations.
The Mapisa-Nqakula’s office has denied these claims and said, “she remains steadfast in her conviction of innocence and her dedication to continue serving the public with honour and integrity.”
