Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula’s ‘crocodile tears’ gain no sympathy from public

by Nomonde Simelane

Similar to a few ANC leaders, former National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has found herself at the receiving end of public wrath. This comes after a clip of her emotional breakdown in court failed to elicit any sympathy.

Mapisa-Nqakula made yet another appearance at the Pretoria High Court as she stands accused of 12 counts of corruption and a single count of money laundering. She faces accusations of soliciting bribes amounting to several million rands and, in turn, awarding contracts to the co-conspirators.

Her case has been a tumultuous one characterised by multiple postponements, most recently to 21 November 2025. With the case made public for all to see, citizens have noted how the tables have turned for the politician who they deem was once on a high horse, as they could not help but notice that she has been left to deal with this matter on her own.

Recently, the former National Assembly speaker and her legal team returned to the High Court, where they indicated their intention to file representations with the office of Public Prosecutions. This is in order to attempt to have the criminal charges dropped before she goes to trial.

After maintaining a strong front in each of her previous appearances, Mapisa-Nqakula finally had an emotional breakdown where she could be seen crying while the court was addressing her.

As opposed to inciting sympathy from the public, this outburst has rather garnered some backlash directed towards her, as internet users highlight the effects of the ANC’s continuous corruption.

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