Malusi Gigaba steps aside from ANC roles

African National Congress (ANC) NEC member and former public enterprises minister Dr Malusi Gigaba has “stepped aside” from his political organisational duties.

This comes after appearing in court on 18 November on charges linked to alleged corruption at Transnet during his time in office.

He appeared in the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crime Court alongside his co-accused: former Transnet CFO Anoj Singh, former group CEO and now MK Party MP Brian Molefe, former chief procurement officer Thamsanqa Jiyane and Siyabonga Gama.

The former Minister of Public Enterprises, Finance, and Home Affairs was recently charged in connection with the controversial multi-billion-rand locomotive tenders.

Several companies are alleged to have secured lucrative contracts after paying kickbacks to Gupta-linked entities.

During the state capture commission, Gigaba was repeatedly portrayed as one of the “Gupta ministers,” accusations he has consistently rejected.

According to Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson Henry Mamothame, its latest charges relate directly to his oversight of state entities while public enterprises minister between 2010 and 2014.

“The state alleges that during the period that Dr Gigaba was the minister of DPE [department of public enterprises], he on various occasions allegedly accepted and received undisclosed amounts of cash from members of the Gupta family which are corrupt in nature, and which he was not entitled to.”

The ANC, in a statement issued on Wednesday, welcomed Gigaba’s decision to step aside. The party said his move reflects ‘the discipline and ethics expected of ANC cadres.’

It added: “In keeping with the ANC constitution and the resolutions of the 55th national conference, Gigaba has demonstrated respect for organisational processes and acted to protect the integrity and reputation of the movement.

“The 55th national conference reaffirmed that all members formally charged must voluntarily step aside, guided not by compulsion but by an unwavering commitment to accountability, revolutionary morality and the principle that leadership must be beyond reproach.”

Gigaba, who is currently co-chair of Parliament’s Defence Committee, said that the step-aside rule applies to ANC roles.

“Parliamentary processes follow their own rules and will be managed accordingly and lawfully.”

‘Not an admission of guilt’

The ANC said that his decision is not to be interpreted as an admission of wrongdoing.

“It is important to emphasise that the ‘step-aside’ does not imply guilt. It is simply a procedural measure to allow the legal process to run its course.”

“Dr Gigaba remains fully confident in the facts, in his integrity, and in the outcome of this process, and he stands ready to resume his duties once it is finalised.”

Gigaba echoed this sentiment, saying his decision reflects his respect for the ANC, the constitution and the country’s laws.

“Leadership requires that we uphold and protect the rule of law, even when doing so demands personal sacrifice,” Gigaba said in a statement.

“This voluntary step is my contribution to the ANC’s renewal agenda and to safeguarding the moral standing of our movement.”

He argued that the case concerns an unproven “undeserved benefit” allegation, not procurement wrongdoing.

“To date, no indictment, no procurement allegations, and no evidence supporting wrongdoing have been presented against myself.”