Former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has made it to the guest list for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Opening of Parliament Address (Opa) on Thursday.
The political theatre of the year looms large on the horizon. And while the speech itself might be a repetitive snoozefest of policy promises and economic projections, the real drama unfolds in the guest list. It also includes Ramaphosa’s political arch-nemesis, former President Jacob Zuma.
During Wednesday’s state of readiness media briefing, Speaker Thoko Didiza confirmed Mapisa-Nqakula’s invitation. However, the burning question remains: will she accept or decline?
Zuma also made the cut
Mapisa-Nqakula is facing 12 charges of corruption under the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Activities Act. And one count of money-laundering for soliciting R4.5-million from a contractor.
She is out on R50,000 bail with restricted movement as her passport is with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Will she be able to navigate her restricted movement to sashay down Parliament’s red carpet?
When she stepped down from the post, Mapisa-Nqakula cited that she wanted to focus on the ongoing investigation against her. The resignation followed weeks of speculation on her future. This amid threats of arrest by the NPA’s Investigating Directorate.
The Pretoria High Court denied her urgent appeal to have the alleged graft case removed from the record. Her appeal also sought a prohibition against investigators detaining her.
Will she attend?
She resigned from both her role as Speaker of the National Assembly and her membership in the legislature in April. This was after the criminal charges came to light.
Accompanying Mapisa-Nqakula and Zuma on the guest list are former President Thabo Mbeki and former caretaker President Kgalema Motlanthe.
Others included former deputy presidents Baleka Mbete, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, and David Mabuza. Former speakers Max Sisulu and Thandi Modise. Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, his deputy Mandisa Maya; and the rest of the Constitutional Court judges.
“We may not be able to say to you who has accepted the invitation and who has declined,” said Didiza. She added that accreditation for those attending closed at lunch on Thursday. Only then would it be clear which guests would grace the event.
Countdown has begun
And let’s not overlook the extravagance of it all. According to Secretary of Parliament Xolile George, the budget for the pomp and ceremony marking the annual opening of Parliament ranged from R6-million to R14-million. In February, Parliment spent about R8.4-million for the event, said George.
The countdown to Ramaphosa’s jamboree has already started. And one thing is clear: forget the policy announcements. The real show is on the guest list. Will Mapisa-Nqakula make a grand entrance? Will Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki have a dance-off?
