Opposition parties have called for the Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, to step down after her Johannesburg home was raided following allegations she had accepted bribes to the tune of R2,3 million when she was the minister of defence.

The NPA’s Investigating Directorate yesterday conducted the search and seizure operation on her home in Bruma.

The Speaker has denied any wrongdoing, and says she is co-operating fully with authorities.

But the DA’s Chief Whip Siviwe Gwarube says her continued presence in office undermines the integrity of Parliament.

”To retain public trust in the institution, Mapisa- Nqakula must step down. She cannot be entrusted with this high office. It is important that those occupying such positions demonstrate the highest standards of integrity and accountability. The Speaker is expected to lead by example and ensure that Members of the Executive and Parliament adhere to their oath of office.”

The DA has also urged Parliament and the Ethics Committee to ensure that the investigation is carried out in a swift and speedily manner.

In reaction to the raid, ActionSA said it is sceptical that any action will be taken. The party’s Athol Trollip said:

”Calling for her to abide by the ANC’s own compromised “step aside” policy is absolutely futile because their parliamentary and legislature lists are all jam packed with comrades that have had to step aside yet they are being presented for re-election.”

Trollip added the only the electorate can ensure the removal of the Speaker.

Meanwhile, DA Leader John Steenhuisen says President Cyril Ramaphosa’s failure to implement lifestyle audits for Cabinet Ministers is to blame for the latest brewing scandal involving the Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa Nqakula.

Steenhuisen, speaking in Parliament yesterday, says Ramaphosa has been promising lifestyle audits since 2018.

“Your failure to implement lifestyle audits, is what has facilitated this alleged corruption by the Speaker. Mr. President, since you are the reason that lifestyle audits were not done, you are the reason why we are sitting with an allegedly corrupt Deputy President, a Speaker whose house has been raided, and a Cabinet that reads like Zondo’s most wanted list.”

Steenhuisen was also referring to allegations against Deputy President Paul Mashatile, published by News24’s ”Mashatile Unmasked” series on an alleged patronage network seemingly linked to the deputy president, and from which he allegedly benefits.

Ramaphosa, who never directly addressed the raid on the Speaker’s house yesterday, emphasized the need to follow due process in all matters.

”This House recently dealt with the cases of a number of highly appointed individuals, and I must commend the House for following due process, for not acting just in allegations.”