Former speaker of the South African National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, says that her resignation from her role should in no way be mistaken as a sign of guilt following the recent corruption allegations made against her.
Nosiviwe has been at the centre of national headlines in recent weeks. This comes after she was accused of twelve counts of corruption and money laundering.
According to Eye Witness News, it is alleged that Nosiviwe received R4.5 million in kickbacks from a defence contractor while she was still the minister of defence.
Following the recent controversies around her, the speaker later announced that she would be resigning from her post.
While the decision to do so has raised the eyebrows of many in the political race, she has been swift in dismissing speculation that this is a sign of her guilt.
Instead, she adds that it is merely to allow the legal proceedings to unfold.
“My resignation is in no way an indication or admission of guilt regarding the allegations levelled against me. I have made this decision to uphold the integrity and sanctity of our parliament, an apex institution of our system of government, representing the people of South Africa as a whole.”
She added that, because of the recently publicised allegations made against her, continuing in the role is no longer an option.
“As a country’s chief lawmaker, I hold a central responsibility to protect and preserve the integrity of parliament by ensuring that my actions ensure that its sacred work must continue without blemish.”
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