African National Congress National Executive Committee member and former Public Enterprises minister Dr Malusi Gigaba has stepped aside from all party duties after being charged with corruption linked to Transnet’s multibillion rand locomotive procurement programme.
The ANC announced his decision in a statement issued on Wednesday, noting that Gigaba had voluntarily withdrawn from his responsibilities following his recent court appearance. Acting national spokesperson Nonceba Mhlauli said the party viewed his move as consistent with ANC policies and the resolutions adopted at its fifty fifth national conference. According to the party, Gigaba’s decision reflects respect for organisational processes and a commitment to protecting the movement’s integrity.
The ANC said the step aside rule forms part of its renewal efforts and serves to uphold accountability while legal proceedings continue. It stressed that the rule does not imply guilt but is intended to preserve public confidence when members face criminal charges.
The development follows confirmation from ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula that Gigaba had been charged and would remove himself from party activities in line with the organisation’s guidelines. Mbalula, speaking after a weekend NEC meeting in Ekurhuleni, said the rule applies to all members who have appeared in court or who face criminal charges.
The ANC has enforced the same requirement in previous cases, including those of former secretary general Ace Magashule and former deputy minister Zizi Kodwa, who stepped aside while dealing with their respective corruption matters.
Gigaba, who serves as co chair of Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Defence, appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Tuesday. His charge relates to three Transnet contracts signed during his tenure as minister, forming part of a broader investigation into widespread corruption within the state owned company’s locomotive procurement programme. This includes a disputed fifty four billion rand locomotive deal.
Earlier this month, Gigaba visited the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption in Pretoria East. At the time, the directorate clarified that he had not been arrested. Spokesperson Henry Mamothame later confirmed that Gigaba is facing a corruption charge alongside four former Transnet executives Brian Molefe, Siyabonga Gama, Anoj Singh and Thamsanqa Jiyane. The four were granted bail in June in connection with corruption linked to the Gupta family.
According to Mamothame, the case against Gigaba concerns alleged offences committed between November 2010 and May 2014. Investigators claim that procurement processes for locomotives were ignored, resulting in irregular awards of contracts for ninety five, one hundred and one thousand and sixty four locomotives. These irregularities allegedly cost Transnet billions of rand.
The state further alleges that Gigaba received undisclosed cash payments from members of the Gupta family during this period.
All accused parties have been given updated charge sheets. The case has been postponed to 30 January 2026 for disclosure of the docket, provision of an indictment, and the scheduling of a date for its transfer to the High Court.
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