Malusi Gigaba
Malusi Gigaba is a senior ANC politician who served in multiple cabinet positions under Presidents Zuma and Ramaphosa. As Minister of Public Enterprises (2010–2014), he oversaw Transnet and Eskom during the period of most intensive Gupta state capture. He was identified by the Zondo Commission as one of the “Gupta ministers” who enabled Gupta penetration of state-owned enterprises. In November 2025, he was formally charged with corruption by the Investigating Directorate Against Coordination (IDAC) for allegedly accepting undisclosed cash from the Gupta Family during his DPE tenure.
Minister of Public Enterprises (2010–2014): During Gigaba’s tenure, the Gupta Family deepened their grip on Transnet and Eskom through captured executives. His co-accused in the current criminal case — Brian Molefe (Transnet/Eskom CEO), Anoj Singh (Transnet CFO), Thamsanqa Jiyane, and Siyabonga Gama — were all key figures in Gupta-era state-owned enterprise corruption. IDAC alleged Gigaba “on various occasions allegedly accepted and received undisclosed amounts of cash from members of the Gupta family which are corrupt in nature.”
“Midnight cabinet reshuffle” — Finance Minister (October 2017): Gigaba was appointed Finance Minister in the October 2017 reshuffles that removed Pravin Gordhan and Mcebisi Jonas — a reshuffle widely interpreted as Zuma’s move to remove obstacles to continued looting. His tenure at Finance was marked by credit rating downgrades and fiscal deterioration. He resigned in February 2018 amid an unrelated personal scandal.
Zondo Commission: Gigaba was painted as a “Gupta minister” throughout commission proceedings. He denied all allegations and testified in his own defence. The commission’s findings led to the IDAC charges.
Criminal case (2025–ongoing): Gigaba appeared before Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crime Court on 18 November 2025, alongside four co-accused. He stepped aside from ANC NEC duties following the charge, consistent with the ANC’s step-aside rule. Gigaba maintained the allegation involved only an “undeserved benefit” and was not procurement-related. Next court appearance: 30 January 2026.
Connections
- Transnet — oversaw as Minister of Public Enterprises; criminal case centres on Transnet locomotive deals
- Gupta Family — allegedly received undisclosed cash from family members; described as a “Gupta minister”
- Brian Molefe — co-accused in the Transnet corruption case
- Zondo Commission — identified as Gupta-aligned minister; findings led to IDAC charges
- Investigating Directorate Against Coordination (IDAC) — prosecuting authority for the corruption charges
- Cyril Ramaphosa — succeeding Zuma, Ramaphosa nominated Gigaba to various subsequent roles