South Africa parliament speaker resigns over corruption probe

On April 3, 2024, 6:06 PM

South Africa’s Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has resigned following a police raid at her home in an inquiry into alleged corruption.

Ms Mapisa-Nqakula is currently being investigated for soliciting bribes in return for awarding contracts during her time as defence minister.

She has denied the charges and said her resignation was “in no way an indication or admission of guilt”.

She said given the “seriousness” of the probe she couldn’t continue her role.

The 67-year-old veteran of the anti-apartheid struggle became speaker in 2021. Before that, she served as defence minister for seven years.