National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has resigned as both the Speaker of National Assembly and a Member of Parliament, with immediate effect.
This is according to a letter she submitted to the Acting Speaker of National Assembly, Lechesa Tsenoli.
“I have made this conscious decision in order to dedicate my time and focus to deal with the recently announced investigation against me by our country’s law enforcement agencies.
My resignation is in no way an indication or admission of guilt regarding the allegations being levelled against me.
I have made this decision in order to uphold the integrity and sanctity of our Parliament, an apex institution of our system of government, representing of the People of South Africa as a whole,” read the letter.
Her resignation come a day after the High Court in Pretoria, dismissed her application to block her impending arrest, following allegations of fraud and corruption during her tenure as Defence Minister.
In the letter, she said her former position, is critical in the reconstruction and development of the country.
“Given the seriousness of the much-publicized allegations against me, I cannot continue in this role.
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 of must continue without blemish,” added the statement.
The former speaker dismissed reports that she doesn’t want to account for her actions.
“I believe that, at the right time, I will have the opportunity to thoroughly address these allegations as and when they have been formally brought against me in the appropriate forums, at which time I will clear my good name.
I maintain my innocence and I’m determined to restore my good reputation,” explained the former Speaker.
She said she has written to the African National Congress to inform it about her decision.
