South African Parliament Denies State Funding for Former Speaker's Corruption Trial Defense

Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, the former Speaker of the South African National Assembly, has been denied state funding for her legal defense in a corruption trial. The parliament made the decision in April 2024, citing government policy implemented in 2021 that precludes corruption-accused officials from having their defense costs sponsored by taxpayers.

Mapisa-Nqakula faces 12 counts of corruption and one count of money laundering. She is accused of soliciting and receiving R2.5 million in bribes and gratifications from fraud-accused businesswoman Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu during her tenure as defense minister. Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, the sole director of a logistics company that did business with the South African National Defence Force, has now turned state witness regarding the alleged corruption.

The money laundering charge against the former speaker concerns her allegedly receiving various amounts of cash totaling R2,550,000 from Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu. The State alleges that while serving as defense minister, Mapisa-Nqakula 'gifted' Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu R210 million in defense contracts.

Why this matters: The parliament's decision to deny state funding for Mapisa-Nqakula's legal defense highlights the government's stance on holding public officials accountable for their actions, even those in high-ranking positions. This development emphasizes the importance of transparency and the fight against corruption in South Africa's political landscape.

Shamila Batohi, the head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), defended the NPA's handling of the case. She stated that the meeting with Mapisa-Nqakula's lawyers before her court appearance was not unusual and that the NPA often makes arrangements with lawyers to bring suspects to court. The parliament's refusal to provide state funding means that Mapisa-Nqakula will have to cover the legal expenses for her corruption trial out of her own pocket.

Key Takeaways

• Former SA Speaker Mapisa-Nqakula denied state funding for corruption trial defense.
• Accused of receiving R2.5M in bribes from a fraud-accused businesswoman while defense minister.
• Also charged with money laundering for receiving R2.55M in cash from the same person.
• Parliament's decision highlights govt's stance on holding officials accountable for corruption.
• Mapisa-Nqakula will have to cover legal expenses for corruption trial out of her own pocket.