The president of her parliament South Africa, Nosibiwe Mapisa-Nkakula, today announced her resignation amid an investigation into her involvement in a corruption scandal during her time as Defense Minister. Her home was searched last month as part of the investigation into the case.
“My resignation is in no way an indication or an admission of guilt regarding the charges leveled against me,” Mapisa-Nkakula stressed in a statement. In addition to the presidency of the parliament, she clarified that she is also resigning from her parliamentary office.
According to state television (SABC), Nosibiwe Mapisa-Nkakula was allegedly bribed to approve military equipment contracts during her time as Defense Minister (2012-2021).
The largest opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), had called for her resignation, arguing that her continued presidency undermined the integrity of the institution.
South Africans go to the polls on May 29 to elect their new parliament, which will elect the country’s next president. According to opinion polls, the African National Congress (ANC), which has ruled the country since the end of apartheid, is in danger of losing its absolute majority for the first time.
Read also:
USA: It is not a matter for the UN to recognize a Palestinian state, says Washington
Tremors in the Netanyahu government: Benny Gantz calls for elections in September
#South #Africa #Allegedly #bribed #speaker #parliament #resigns
