Transnet
Dr Malusi Gigaba appeared in court on Tuesday to face corruption charges linked to Transnet contracts signed during his time as public enterprises minister. His lawyer said they will not discuss the merits now and will address the state’s allegations of undue financial benefit in court.
African National Congress (ANC) MP and former minister of public enterprises Dr Malusi Gigaba appeared at Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court on Tuesday to face corruption charges linked to three Transnet contracts he signed during his tenure as minister.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the charges form part of ongoing investigations into procurement processes at the state owned freight and logistics company, Transnet. The contracts relate to a period when Gigaba was responsible for the public enterprises portfolio, and form part of wider probes into alleged irregularities in major state procurement.
Last week Gigaba wrote on his X account that the NPA had instructed him to present himself. He said he had been notified to report for processing and attend court. His remarks created public debate over whether he had been formally arrested. SA Daily later published information from the NPA confirming that he had not been arrested and that standard procedure was being followed ahead of his appearance.
On Tuesday Gigaba’s lawyer told journalists that they would not discuss the merits of the case at this stage. The lawyer confirmed that the arrest relates to the period in which Gigaba served as public enterprises minister. “The state will allege that he unduly received financial benefit which in essence translates to corruption. We will ventilate all the evidence relating to that in court,” said the lawyer.
Gigaba has served in several Cabinet portfolios, including finance, home affairs and public enterprises, and currently sits in Parliament as an ANC MP. His court appearance has renewed questions about the application of the ANC step aside policy, which requires members charged with serious offences to step aside from leadership roles or public duties.
The ANC was asked whether Gigaba would be instructed to step aside in line with the policy. Party officials said the matter was receiving attention through internal processes and confirmed that the relevant structures would apply the policy as required.
The step aside policy remains a point of debate within the party, with concerns about consistency and fairness in its implementation. Gigaba’s case is expected to again test how the ANC manages legal challenges involving senior figures.
The NPA said further details about the allegations will be outlined in court as the proceedings continue.
