The now former Speaker of the National Assembly Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has maintained her innocence, and says her resignation will allow her to focus on the corruption investigation against her.

Mapisa-Nqakula handed in her letter of resignation yesterday, a day after the Pretoria High Court dismissed her urgent application to prevent her arrest.

But she stressed in a statement that this move is in no way an indication or admission of guilt, and she is determined to clear her name when the time comes.

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 am determined to restore my good reputation.

She says she also resigned to uphold the integrity of Parliament.

I have made this decision in order 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. The position of the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of South Africa is critical in the reconstruction and development of our 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.

Mapisa Nqakula says she remains a dedicated member of the ANC.

In turn, the ANC has thanked her for her intention to protect the reputation of the party, by resigning, rather than waiting for instructions to step down.

The ruling party is reportedly said to be relieved, as they could not afford to defend her in an election year.

Opposition parties have welcomed her resignation, but says the law must now take its course.

The DA’s Chief Whip Siviwe Gwarube says while the DA is now unable to move the Motion of no Confidence against her, or pursue the case against her in the Ethics Committee, the party wants law enforcement agencies to move with speed to conclude the matter.

The party is also seeking advice on the complaint against Mapisa-Nqakula and the Chairperson of the NCOP, Mr Masondo as it relates to the hiking of the Secretary to Parliament’s salary before the Powers and Privileges Committee.

This is important as it relates to the institution and has implications on individuals who are still in Parliament. We cannot allow this matter to go unanswered.

The GOOD party is of the opinion that a parliamentary vote to remove her, with the ANC using its majority to protect her, would have been distasteful and would have ”deepened citizens’ cynicism about politics and voting on the eve of a critical election.”

The ACDP says Mapisa-Nqakula should have resigned as soon as credible accusations were made against her.

The EFF has also welcomed the ”long-overdue” resignation of Mapisa-Nqakula.

The party has however lambasted Mapisa-Nqakula’s purported reason for resigning, which she claims is to protect the integrity of Parliament.

(It) rings hollow in light of her recent audacious attempt to evade accountability for her alleged corrupt actions. Just this week, she brazenly sought to interdict her own arrest, demonstrating a flagrant disregard for the gravity of the charges against her and proving that she has no genuine interest in cooperating with law enforcement agencies.

Lechesa Tsenoli will continue in his role as the Acting Speaker.