GOOD Statement by Brett Herron,
GOOD Secretary-General & Member of Parliament
3 April 2024
GOOD welcomes the resignation of Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, who has been accused of serious corruption.
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.
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.
While we don’t know if Mapisa-Nqakula was pushed by her party, or voluntarily walked the plank, parliament’s integrity has been spared the spectacle of an unedifying debate on a motion of no confidence.
The wheels of justice must now turn, either to determine Mapisa-Nqakula’s guilt or to exonerate her.
Media Enquiries:
Brett Herron, GOOD Secretary-General & Member of Parliament
Cell: 082 518 3264
Email: bretth@forgood.org.za
Janke Tolmay, GOOD Media Manager
Cell: 073 367 1223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za