Corruption-accused Gigaba still chairing Parliamentary committee

Co-governing partner in the Government of National Unity (GNU), the Democratic Alliance (DA), has expressed concern that corruption-accused African National Congress (ANC) MP Malusi Gigaba continues to lead a Parliamentary committee.

This is despite Gigaba having stepped aside from all party leadership roles due to serious criminal charges that relate his oversight of state entities while public enterprises minister between 2010 and 2014.

DA MP Chris Hattingh said Gigaba remains the co-chairperson of Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Defence (JSCD) and continues to conduct oversight.

“The position of co-chairperson of the JSCD requires a member with unquestionable integrity,” Hattingh said.

“Mr Gigaba’s continued presence in this position undermines Parliament’s credibility and the integrity of South Africa’s defence oversight system.”

Gigaba announced that he had “stepped aside” from his political organisational duties on 20 November after appearing in court two days prior on corruption charges.

The ANC welcomed his decision to do so, adding that the move reflects “the discipline and ethics expected of ANC cadres”.

As for his Parliamentary duties, Gigaba said that “processes follow their own rules and will be managed accordingly and lawfully”.

However, Hattingh argues that if the charges against Gigaba are serious enough for him to relinquish his party responsibilities, then the same should be true for Parliament as well.

“Parliament cannot be held to a lower ethical standard than the ANC. Oversight over the defence force, the defence industry, and national security demands the highest levels of trust and impartiality,” he said.

“A committee chair who is facing criminal charges connected to corruption cannot credibly hold the executive to account, cannot exercise impartial oversight over state entities, and cannot represent Parliament with the authority required in defence matters.”

The DA has therefore called on Gigaba to immediately step aside from all Parliamentary leadership duties until the legal process has been concluded.

According to Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson Henry Mamothame, its latest charges relate directly to Gigaba’s 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.”

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.

‘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.”