In the motion addressed to Deputy Speaker Lechesa Tsenoli, DA Chief Whip Siviwe Gwarube called for the parliament to oust Mapisa-Nqakula, who faces allegations of soliciting and accepting bribes amounting to R2.3 million during her tenure as defence minister.

This marks the second time parliament is deliberating Mapisa-Nqakula's suitability for her role, following the rejection of an Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) no-confidence motion against her in March last year.

The EFF had sought Mapisa-Nqakula’s removal for permitting armed security personnel to enter a joint parliamentary session on the 9th of February 2023 while President Cyril Ramaphosa was delivering the state of the nation address.

During the previous vote, 234 Members of Parliament (MPs) opposed the motion, with only 42 supporting it, and 73 abstaining.

In her recent motion submitted to Tsenoli, Gwarube highlighted that the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate had conducted a raid on Mapisa-Nqakula’s residence earlier in the week regarding the bribery allegations.

Additionally, Mapisa-Nqakula is under investigation by parliament's ethics and powers and privileges committees for unilaterally increasing the salary of parliament secretary Xolile George.

Gwarube emphasized that as a high-ranking public official and a member of parliament's executive authority, Mapisa-Nqakula has a duty to fulfill her responsibilities honestly, diligently, and with the utmost ethical standards, maintaining the integrity of her office.

The allegations against Mapisa-Nqakula and the ongoing investigations, according to Gwarube, have diminished public and parliamentary confidence in the management of parliament, impeding her ability to uphold order, decorum, and the honor of the assembly.

Meanwhile, Mapisa-Nqakula announced on Thursday the 21st of March 2024 that she would take special leave immediately.

“Given the gravity of the allegations and widespread media speculation, I have opted to take special leave from my role as National Assembly Speaker, effective immediately,” Maphisa-Nqakula stated.

ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri affirmed the party's acknowledgment of Mapisa-Nqakula's special leave from parliament and stated that the ANC would apply its integrity and step-aside policies based on unfolding facts.