Baleka Mbete, the former Speaker of the National Assembly, has recently come under fire for her alleged protection of former President Jacob Zuma during his time in Parliament. However, Mbete has strongly denied these claims, stating that she has always acted in accordance with the rules and regulations of Parliament.
In a recent interview, Mbete addressed the accusations made against her, stating that she has never protected Zuma or any other member of Parliament. She emphasized that her role as Speaker was to ensure that all members of Parliament, regardless of their political affiliation, were treated fairly and equally.
Mbete’s denial comes after a heated debate in Parliament, where opposition parties accused her of shielding Zuma from accountability and allowing him to evade tough questions. However, Mbete has refuted these claims, stating that she has always allowed for robust and open debates in Parliament, where all members have the opportunity to hold the government accountable.
During her tenure as Speaker, Mbete faced numerous challenges, including the disruption of parliamentary proceedings by members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Despite these challenges, Mbete remained steadfast in her commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring that Parliament functioned effectively.
Mbete’s dedication to her role as Speaker was evident in her handling of the motion of no confidence against Zuma in 2017. Despite facing immense pressure from various political parties, Mbete remained impartial and allowed for a secret ballot, which ultimately led to Zuma’s removal from office.
Furthermore, Mbete has been a strong advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment. As the first female Speaker of the National Assembly, she has paved the way for other women to take on leadership roles in politics. Mbete has also been a vocal supporter of women’s rights and has championed various initiatives to promote gender equality in South Africa.
Mbete’s denial of protecting Zuma in Parliament is not only a testament to her integrity and commitment to upholding the principles of democracy but also a reflection of her strong leadership skills. Throughout her career, she has shown that she is a fair and just leader, who always puts the interests of the country above her own.
In light of these recent accusations, it is important to remember Mbete’s contributions to South Africa’s democracy. She has played a crucial role in shaping the country’s political landscape and has been a key figure in the fight against apartheid. Mbete’s dedication to the country and its people should not be overshadowed by baseless accusations.
In conclusion, Baleka Mbete has denied the allegations of protecting former President Jacob Zuma in Parliament. Her denial is a testament to her integrity and commitment to upholding the principles of democracy. Mbete’s contributions to South Africa’s political landscape should be celebrated, and she should be remembered as a strong and fair leader who always put the interests of the country first.
