Gigaba denies any wrongdoing in possible corruption case

Former Public Enterprises Minister and ANC NEC member Dr. Malusi Gigaba has met with the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) in Pretoria.

This concerns alleged irregularities in Transnet contracts during his tenure from 2010 to 2014.

Gigaba posted on social media earlier in the day that he had been summoned to appear in court in relation to these allegations.

However, IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame has since clarified that Gigaba has not been charged as of yet.

“He is engaging IDAC, and there will be no court appearance today [Friday]. IDAC will not be commenting any further on the matter,” Mamothame said.

In response, Gigaba released a statement reaffirming his willingness to cooperate with law enforcement while insisting that he has done nothing wrong.

News24 reports that Gigaba faces allegations linked to his tenure as Minister of Public Enterprises, specifically concerning the acquisition of 1 064 locomotives from Chinese state-owned company CSR.

According to the report, Transnet contracts worth R41.9 billion allegedly involved around R9 billion in kickbacks to Gupta-linked entities, intended to influence the tender outcomes.

However, Gigaba said the probe does not relate to any decisions he made as Minister of Public Enterprises.

The investigation is ongoing, and no formal charges have yet been laid against Gigaba.

Gigaba said that he remains “willing to engage fully and transparently with the relevant authorities, reaffirms his respect for the rule of law and confidence in the independence of South Africa’s judicial institutions.”

“Throughout his public life, Dr Gigaba has upheld the principles of accountability, integrity, and service to the people, and he continues to do so in this instance,” he said in a statement.

Gigaba added that he will continue to serve as Co-Chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence (JSCD) and “remain focused on my responsibilities in Parliament.”

Who is Malusi Gigaba?

Rising through the ranks of the ANC Youth League, Gigaba entered the national political stage at a young age, eventually serving in several high-profile cabinet positions under Presidents Jacob Zuma and Cyril Ramaphosa.

His ministerial career includes appointments as Minister of Public Enterprises, Home Affairs, and Finance.

As Minister of Public Enterprises, he oversaw state-owned enterprises including Transnet, and his tenure is most frequently scrutinised for alleged involvement in state capture.

The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, the Zondo Commission, implicated Gigaba in facilitating undue influence by the Gupta family, a wealthy business family accused of capturing state decision-making for private gain.

Among the specific allegations was his role in the reinstatement of Siyabonga Gama as Transnet CEO, involvement in procurement irregularities, and perceived favoritism toward Gupta-linked interests.

While the exact financial figures and contract details are contested, the commission recommended criminal investigation into his actions during this period.

Gigaba’s term as Minister of Finance was brief and turbulent. Appointed in 2017, he faced market instability and criticism for policy decisions perceived as politically motivated.

He returned to the National Assembly in the May 2024 general election after a period away from frontline politics and currently co-chairs the Joint Standing Committee on Defence.

Gigaba holds a PhD in Public Management and Governance from the University of Johannesburg, completed in July 2025.