DA’s motion of no confidence against Speaker to be scheduled

26th March 2024 By: Sashnee Moodley - Senior Deputy Editor Polity and Multimedia

DA’s motion of no confidence against Speaker to be scheduled

National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula

The Democratic Alliance’s (DA’s) motion of no confidence against National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will go ahead, following the acceptance of the motion by acting Speaker Lechesa Tsenoli.

Mapisa-Nqakula faces allegations of corruption and money laundering, reportedly totalling over R4-million. Political parties, including the DA, are calling for her removal.

Mapisa-Nqakula, who is currently on special leave, called the allegations levelled against her “baseless”.

The DA made its submission for a motion of no confidence to the acting Speaker last week, in line with the Constitution, and Tsenoli has written to DA Chief Whip Siviwe Gwarube, advising her of his decision to accept the motion.

“A motion for the removal of the Speaker from office must comply, to the satisfaction of the Deputy Speaker, with the prescripts of any relevant law or rules and orders of the House, including directives and guidelines approved by the Rules Committee. This motion must be placed on the Order Paper and must detail the grounds for the proposed removal,” Parliament explained.

The date for the motion will be announced following consultation with African National Congress Chief Whip Pemmy Majodina.