Malusi Gigaba steps aside from ANC's roles amid corruption charges linked to Transnet

Dr Malusi Gigaba, an African National Congress (ANC) NEC member and former Public Enterprises minister, has stepped aside from party leadership after being charged with corruption in relation to Transnet SOC Ltd's multibillion-rand locomotive procurement programme.

The party confirmed that in a media statement on Wednesday afternoon.

“The ANC welcomes the principled and voluntary decision by comrade Dr Malusi Gigaba to step aside from his responsibilities following his recent court appearance,” said acting national spokesperson Nonceba Mhlauli.

“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,” Mhlauli added.

The ANC claimed that Gigaba’s decision aligns with its renewal agenda and demonstrates the party’s commitment to accountability. 

“The step-aside rule is not a presumption of guilt, but a responsible organisational measure to safeguard public confidence while legal processes unfold,” the party said.

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula confirmed on Tuesday that Gigaba had been charged with corruption and would voluntarily step aside from party activities and responsibilities. 

Speaking after a weekend NEC meeting in Ekurhuleni, Mbalula said the step-aside rule applies to all members facing criminal charges or who have appeared in court.

“The Malusi case has been dealt with,” Mbalula said. 

“From the ANC’s side, Malusi has been charged with corruption. He will have to step aside. He will do that voluntarily. And there will be a statement to that effect, even now when I finish this media briefing.”

The ANC previously applied the step-aside rule to former secretary-general Ace Magashule, charged with corruption and fraud linked to a multimillion-rand asbestos tender, and to Zizi Kodwa, who stepped aside last year following state capture-related charges.

Gigaba, who is also co-chair of Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Defence, appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday facing a corruption charge related to three Transnet contracts signed during his tenure as public enterprises minister.

Authorities are investigating wide-scale corruption linked to Transnet’s multibillion-rand locomotive procurement programme, including a controversial R54-billion locomotive deal. 

Earlier this month, Gigaba visited the offices of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) in Lynnwood, Pretoria East. At the time, IDAC confirmed he had not been arrested and would not appear in court that day.

IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame said Gigaba faces a corruption charge alongside four former Transnet executives: Brian Molefe, Siyabonga Gama, Anoj Singh, and Thamsanqa Jiyane. 

The four were released on R50,000 bail each in June, charged with corruption linked to the Gupta family.

“Dr Gigaba’s court appearance relates to the period between November 2010 and May 2014, when the alleged offences were committed during his tenure as Minister of Public Enterprises,” Mamothame said. 

He added that tender processes for acquiring locomotives were “flouted”, with three contracts for 95, 100, and 1,064 locomotives irregularly awarded, resulting in billions of rands in losses for Transnet.

“The state alleges that during this period Dr Gigaba, on various occasions, accepted and received undisclosed amounts of cash from members of the Gupta family, which were corrupt in nature and to which he was not entitled,” Mamothame said.

All accused were presented with an updated charge sheet. The matter has been postponed to January 30, 2026 for disclosure of the docket, provision of an indictment, and to set a date for the case’s transfer to the High Court.

IOL