Former Minister of Public Enterprises and current ANC NEC member Malusi Gigaba has confirmed that he met with the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) on Friday morning to discuss potential fraud and corruption charges that could be brought against him.
The meeting comes amid an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities involving Transnet contracts during Gigaba’s tenure between 2010 and 2014. The former minister has since clarified that he was not charged and is now back at home following what he described as a “misunderstanding.”
In a statement shared on social media early Friday morning, Malusi Gigaba revealed that he had left his home in the belief that he was surrendering himself to the authorities. He said he was under the impression that he was required to appear in court that same day in connection with the ongoing corruption investigation.
Accompanied by his legal team, Malusi Gigaba arrived at the IDAC offices in Pretoria expecting to be processed or formally charged. However, upon meeting with IDAC officials, he learned that no formal charges were being pursued against him at this stage.
According to Malusi Gigaba, the meeting was purely procedural, allowing investigators to clarify certain details regarding his role at Transnet and to inform him of the current status of the case.
He later confirmed that he had returned home safely after the meeting and would not be making a court appearance as initially believed.
Malusi Gigaba Thought He Was Surrendering to Authorities
Following the meeting, Malusi Gigaba reiterated his stance that he has never acted unlawfully during his time as Minister of Public Enterprises. He maintains that all his actions were in accordance with the law and guided by official government protocols.
“All actions taken during my tenure as Minister of Public Enterprises were lawful and conducted under proper guidance,” Gigaba said in his post.
He also urged the public to allow the legal process to unfold without speculation or bias, emphasizing his cooperation with investigators and commitment to transparency.
This is not the first time Gigaba’s name has surfaced in connection with state capture and corruption allegations. However, he continues to insist that he is innocent and that his record as a public servant speaks for itself.
When approached for comment, IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame declined to provide further details about the meeting or the status of the investigation.
“IDAC will not be commenting any further on the matter,” Mamothame said.
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption, a specialized unit within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), was established to probe high-profile cases of state capture, fraud, and corruption involving senior government officials and business executives.
The directorate has been handling several major investigations linked to state-owned enterprises, including Transnet, Eskom, and Denel, as part of efforts to recover public funds lost to corruption.
While IDAC has yet to confirm whether charges will be filed against Gigaba, Friday’s meeting suggests that the investigation remains active and that he continues to be a person of interest in the matter.
During his tenure as Minister of Public Enterprises, Malusi Gigaba oversaw operations of several state-owned companies, including Transnet — the country’s largest freight and logistics entity.
Investigations into Transnet’s locomotive procurement contracts have revealed widespread irregularities, with allegations of inflated prices and questionable dealings with foreign suppliers. These contracts have been at the heart of the broader state capture inquiry, which examined how public resources were misused through political and business collusion.
Although Gigaba has consistently denied personal involvement in any wrongdoing, critics argue that senior officials under his watch enabled questionable practices. The former minister, however, insists that all decisions made during his term were collective and followed established legal frameworks.
A seasoned politician and long-serving member of the African National Congress (ANC), Malusi Gigaba has held several key positions in government, including Minister of Public Enterprises, Minister of Home Affairs, and Minister of Finance.
Throughout his career, Gigaba has faced both political praise and controversy. Despite challenges, he remains active within the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC), contributing to policy discussions and internal party matters.
Friday’s events mark another chapter in Gigaba’s complex relationship with corruption investigations. While he continues to maintain his innocence, the scrutiny underscores the persistent demand for accountability among South Africa’s political elite.
For now, Malusi Gigaba remains at home, awaiting further communication from IDAC regarding the next steps in the investigation. Though no charges have been filed, the meeting signals that his name continues to feature prominently in probes linked to state capture-era contracts.
Gigaba’s supporters have praised his willingness to cooperate with authorities, while critics have urged investigators to ensure that justice is pursued without political interference.
As South Africa continues to grapple with the legacy of corruption within state institutions, the Malusi Gigaba case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in rebuilding public trust and enforcing accountability at the highest levels of government.
Source- EWN
