ANC Lauds Gigaba’s Recusal Amid Corruption Charges

…his voluntary compliance with the ‘step aside’ rule was hailed as a display of discipline expected from the party’s senior cadres

The African National Congress (ANC) has warmly welcomed the voluntary decision by Malusi Gigaba to step aside from all party duties, after being formally charged with corruption.

The party hails the move as a significant signal of the ruling party’s continued commitment to its internal renewal strategy and organisational discipline.

The former Minister of the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) and current ANC Member of Parliament (MP) was added as the fifth accused this week in the massive Transnet locomotive procurement scandal, bringing the party’s much-debated “step-aside” rule into immediate effect.

This voluntary compliance, rather than forced suspension, has been lauded by the ANC leadership as a display of the discipline expected from senior cadres.

The clarity on the political side of the matter came swiftly after Gigaba’s court appearance, with ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula being categorical about the party’s expectations.

“He will have to step aside. He will do that voluntarily. And there will be a statement to that effect.”

Mbalula’s decisive statement underlined the mandatory nature of the rule for all criminally charged members.

Confirming the compliance the following day in a statement dated 19 November 2025, the ANC indicated that the party accepts Gigaba’s decision.

“The ANC welcomes the principled and voluntary decision by comrade Dr Malusi Gigaba to step aside from his responsibilities following his recent appearance in court.”

Party spokesperson, Nonceba Mhlauli, emphasised the political weight of the decision, noting that the move was taken without prompting.

“His decision strengthens the collective efforts of the ANC to rebuild trust, reinforce accountability, and demonstrate that no individual stands above the organisation,” Mhlauli said.

The charges laid against Gigaba relate to his tenure as Public Enterprises Minister between November 2010 and May 2014 - a crucial period during which the state-owned rail company, Transnet, embarked on a controversial and costly procurement programme to acquire new locomotives.

The essence of the State’s case is that Gigaba, in his capacity as Minister, allegedly accepted and received undisclosed amounts of cash from members of the Gupta family on various occasions. The prosecution alleges that these payments were corrupt in nature and did not amount to what he was legally entitled to.

The core of his alleged role in the scandal, according to the charge sheet, was facilitating or enabling the flouting of tender processes that led to the irregular awarding of three massive locomotive contracts.

One of the contracts, initially budgeted at R38.6 billion, allegedly ballooned to over R54 billion, with the entire irregular procurement resulting in a loss of billions of rands for Transnet and contributing significantly to the well-documented State Capture project.

Gigaba is not alone in the dock, as he has been formally added as the fifth accused alongside four former senior Transnet executives - namely Group Chief Financial Officer Anoj Singh, Group CEO Brian Molefe, former CEO Siyabonga Gama, and Chief Procurement Officer Thamsanqa Jiyane - for allegedly receiving kickbacks on locomotive deals.

Gigaba presented himself at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crime Court on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, after being issued a summons by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), formalising his addition to the charge sheet. This development makes him a central figure in one of the most significant corruption cases to emerge from the State Capture era.

The ANC stressed that Gigaba’s step aside serves as a clear affirmation of their renewal agenda and a demonstration that ANC leaders remain bound by the solemn oath of membership to act in defence of the unity, values, and standing of the organisation.

The party’s public endorsement of Gigaba’s decision serves a dual purpose of reaffirming the ANC’s seriousness about its anti-corruption policy, while also commending a high-profile member for submitting to organisational discipline, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the party as he faces the criminal justice system.

“In keeping with the ANC Constitution and the resolutions of the 55th National Conference, cde (comrade) Gigaba has demonstrated respect for organisational process and acted to protect the integrity and reputation of the movement,” the party’s statement reads further.

In a separate statement released on Wednesday, Gigaba affirmed his personal commitment.

“I remain unwavering in my commitment to uphold the rules, values, and regulatory framework that govern our movement. This organisation deserves nothing less than absolute fidelity to its principle,” Gigaba said.

The court proceedings were brief, and the matter has since been postponed to 30 January 2026, pending indictment. This postponement is a standard procedural step, allowing the State time to finalise the full disclosure of the docket to the defence teams; prepare the formal indictment, and lastly to secure a date for the case’s eventual transfer to the High Court.

Gigaba remains an MP and a co-chair of Parliament’s Defence Committee.