DA submits formal motion of no confidence in Mapisa-Nqakula

Source: EWN Traffic
Author: Lindsay Dentlinger

CAPE TOWN - The Democratic Alliance (DA) has submitted a formal motion of no confidence in National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula as she is officially expected to be charged with corruption on Friday morning.

The party said it's not enough that she took special leave amid the controversy that she received tender kickbacks while being the minister of defence.

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The official opposition wants the motion debated before the house rises next week.

DA chief whip Siviwe Gwarube said she would be writing to all parties in Parliament to lobby for support for the motion to remove Mapisa-Nqakula.

She said that parliamentary rules don't allow for special leave to be taken by an individual, adding that such a decision should be taken by a full sitting of the house.

A member of Parliament (MP) can take five days of special leave with approval from their political party.

Gwarube said taking special leave is a cop-out as the speaker must resign or face a motion of no confidence from the house.

"We cannot have [a] speaker of the National Assembly that's accused of such grave allegations and is someone who is not making sure the image of Parliament is upheld."

A year ago, the Economic Freedom Fighters brought a motion of no confidence in Mapisa-Nqakula that failed.