ANC hails corruption-accused Malusi Gigaba for stepping aside

THE ANC believes that corruption-accused Malusi Gigaba’s decision to ‘step-aside’ from his responsibilities strengthens the party’s efforts to rebuild trust and reinforce accountability. 

Gigaba, who also serves as co-chair of Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Defence, appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday facing a charge of corruption.

The ANC NEC member faces corruption charges relating to three Transnet contracts he signed during his tenure as public enterprises minister.

Authorities are investigating wide-scale corruption linked to Transnet’s multibillion-rand locomotive procurement programme, including a controversial R54-billion locomotive deal. 

Earlier this month, Gigaba visited the offices of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) in Lynnwood, Pretoria East. At the time, IDAC confirmed he had not been arrested and would not appear in court that day.

IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame said Gigaba faces a corruption charge alongside four former Transnet executives: Brian Molefe, Siyabonga Gama, Anoj Singh, and Thamsanqa Jiyane. 

The four were released on R50,000 bail each in June, charged with corruption linked to the Gupta family.

“Dr Gigaba’s court appearance relates to the period between November 2010 and May 2014, when the alleged offences were committed during his tenure as Minister of Public Enterprises,” Mamothame said. 

He added that tender processes for acquiring locomotives were “flouted”, with three contracts for 95, 100, and 1,064 locomotives irregularly awarded, resulting in billions of rands in losses for Transnet.

“The state alleges that during this period Dr Gigaba, on various occasions, accepted and received undisclosed amounts of cash from members of the Gupta family, which were corrupt in nature and to which he was not entitled,” Mamothame said.

In a statement on Wednesday, ANC acting spokesperson Nonceba Mhauli said Gigaba’s decision  to voluntarily step aside  reflects the discipline, maturity, and revolutionary consciousness expected of ANC ‘cadres’.

“The ANC recognises cadre Gigaba’s decision as a clear affirmation of our renewal agenda and a demonstration that ANC leaders remain bound by the solemn oath of membership, to act in defence of the unity, values, and standing of the organisation. The ANC reiterates that the step-aside rule is not a presumption of guilt, but a responsible organisational measure to safeguard public confidence while legal processes unfold. We thank cadre Gigaba for his leadership and discipline. His decision demonstrates that no individual stands above the organisation,” she said .

The ANC previously applied the step-aside rule to former secretary-general Ace Magashule, charged with corruption and fraud linked to a multimillion-rand asbestos tender, to Zizi Kodwa, who stepped aside last year following state capture-related charges and former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.

The matter against Gigaba has been postponed to January 30, 2026 for disclosure of the docket, provision of an indictment, and to set a date for the case’s transfer to the High Court.

Cape Times