The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday called on Premier Zweli Mkhize and the African National Congress (ANC) to ask the provincial legislature speaker to step down pending the outcome of her corruption trial.
”As the political head of the KZN legislature, the appearance of [Peggy] Nkonyeni in the dock has sullied the entire legislature and runs the real risk of bringing the legislature into disrepute,” DA caucus leader in the legislature John Steenhuisen said in a statement.
Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni appeared in the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court on Monday for allegedly accepting kickbacks for influencing the provincial health department to buy expensive hospital equipment from an associate.
She was provincial health minister at the time of the alleged crime. It involved the procurement of an ultrasound device for R1,5-million when it was available for R500 000 from another supplier.
On Monday the State said it needed time to obtain a crucial statement which could result in additional charges being laid.
Steenhuisen said it was irresponsible for the ANC to have appointed Nkonyeni as speaker while she was facing such serious charges.
”The office of the speaker is an important one and the incumbent should possess morals and values which are beyond reproach.”
The party called on Mkhize and the ANC to ask Nkonyeni to ”step aside from her official duties” until the court had delivered judgement.
He said the deputy speaker should take over from her until the case was concluded.
ANC spokesperson Nomfundo Mcetywa said the provincial executive committee had discussed the matter and looked at it from all angles.
”They decided that you cannot just fire somebody because of an allegation. The law has to run its course.
She described the DA’s calls as ”baseless”.
”We want the law to run its course and we will respect the court’s decision. Until then, the speaker will remain.” — Sapa