Former Minister of Public Enterprises, Malusi Gigaba, has voluntarily handed himself over to the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) amid allegations linking him to corruption at Transnet during his tenure.
Gigaba was expected to appear in court on Friday morning, but both he and IDAC confirmed that his court appearance has been delayed. The case forms part of a broader investigation into alleged misconduct and irregular procurement at Transnet, the state-owned freight and logistics giant.
The development follows IDAC Head Advocate Andrea Johnson’s recent appearance before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, where Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema questioned who had been implicated in tenders linked to alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Johnson declined to identify individuals, warning that doing so could compromise ongoing investigations.
Gigaba, who has long faced allegations of political interference and procurement irregularities, released a statement reaffirming his faith in the legal process. “Let me declare that I have full confidence in our courts – they are the forum where facts, not fiction, will finally prevail. My confidence is built on irrefutable evidence and a commitment to full transparency,” he said.
Gigaba served as Minister of Public Enterprises from 2010 to 2014 — a period during which Transnet’s leadership appointments, including that of Brian Molefe as CEO, came under scrutiny. Molefe has since been charged with corruption and fraud.
During the 2021 Zondo Commission into State Capture, Gigaba acknowledged that flaws existed in the process of appointing CEOs at state-owned enterprises, noting that shareholder ministers had limited oversight over board recommendations. The Commission’s findings also revealed that Molefe had not been the board’s preferred candidate for the top position.
Transnet remains under investigation for several irregular contracts worth billions of rand, including a controversial R54 billion locomotive deal. Several executives, including Molefe and former CFO Anoj Singh, face corruption and fraud charges. It remains unclear what specific charges, if any, Gigaba will face as investigations continue.
