By: Buhle Mbhele
ANC NEC member and MP Dr Malusi Gigaba has voluntarily stepped aside from all his party responsibilities. According to the ANC, this decision reflects “respect for organisational processes” and is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the movement.
This move follows Gigaba’s recent court appearance: earlier this month, he handed himself in at the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) office in Pretoria in connection with alleged irregularities in Transnet’s locomotive procurement tenders.
At that time, he issued a statement saying he was not aware of the precise nature of the charges against him. However, on 18 November 2025, he formally appeared in the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crime Court. He was added as the fifth accused in a corruption case alongside four former Transnet executives. IDAC has confirmed that the case has been postponed to 30 January 2026 for docket disclosure and the provision of an indictment.
According to IDAC, the allegations relate to Gigaba’s tenure as Minister of Public Enterprises between November 2010 and May 2014, during which Transnet awarded irregular locomotive contracts, notably three contracts for 95, 100, and 1,064 locomotives. The state alleges that Gigaba received “undisclosed amounts of cash” from members of the Gupta family, which were corrupt in nature and to which he was not entitled.
Gigaba has denied wrongdoing, calling his conscience “clear” and stating that his decisions were always “guided by policy, process, and the values of accountability and service.”
In his letter to the ANC, Gigaba said his decision to step aside was made “in contribution to the ANC’s renewal agenda and to safeguarding the moral standing of our movement.”
The ANC responded by emphasising that the step-aside rule was not a presumption of guilt but “a responsible organisational measure to safeguard public confidence while legal processes unfold.”
Under ANC policy rooted in the 55th National Conference resolutions, members who are formally charged are expected to step aside voluntarily as a demonstration of accountability. The party sees Gigaba’s decision as aligning with its ongoing renewal drive.
