malusi gigaba

Former finance minister and current ANC member of parliament Malusi Gigaba remains in the spotlight as legal and personal battles with his ex-wife, Norma Mngoma, escalate. Recently, Gigaba moved to interdict Mngoma from airing or making public allegations about his supposed addiction to pornography, infidelity, family history, and claims of an extravagant lifestyle allegedly funded by taxpayers. The Johannesburg High Court is handling Gigaba’s application to block the broadcast of these allegations on the Showmax series Untied. Multichoice, Goat Originals (the production company), and Mngoma are all named as respondents. The matter was set for court, highlighting the intensity of Gigaba’s efforts to limit reputational damage^[1].

Despite his efforts, Gigaba failed to prevent the broadcast of his ex-wife’s tell-all interview. The court struck his case from the roll, allowing Multichoice to proceed with airing Untied. Mngoma’s allegations delve into infidelity, pornography, and abuse of public funds during their marriage. Multichoice successfully argued that these topics had long been public knowledge, and Mngoma was legally entitled to speak about her experiences. Costs were awarded against Gigaba, compounding his legal setbacks. The episode’s broadcast has reignited debates about privacy, public figures, and accountability^[3].

In the midst of this controversy, Mngoma’s televised revelations on Untied have generated significant public discussion. She accuses Gigaba of infidelity dating from even before their marriage, misuse of baby oil “like Diddy,” a pornography addiction, and living lavishly at the public’s expense. Mngoma recounts the emotional toll these behaviors took on her, alleging a pattern of affairs throughout their relationship. Their highly publicized 2014 wedding and subsequent unraveling have made them a focal point in South Africa’s social and political conversations^[5].

Politically, Gigaba retains influence. He returned to Parliament in 2024 and, in June 2025, was officially cleared by the ANC of misconduct relating to the state capture scandals—despite ongoing criticism and lingering mistrust. The Zondo Commission previously implicated Gigaba in appointing Gupta-aligned individuals to state-owned enterprises during his tenure, while testimonies (including from Mngoma) alleged he received cash and gifts from the Guptas. Gigaba has denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the Commission’s evidence as insufficient for a corruption charge^[6].

Gigaba has recently completed a PhD at the University of Johannesburg, marking a potential shift in focus toward policy and academic circles. His research proposes inclusive funding models for rural digital infrastructure, a vision he describes as crucial for bridging connectivity gaps and enhancing development. While this accomplishment highlights his intellectual capabilities, whether it can rehabilitate his public image amid persistent controversy remains to be seen^[6].

Meanwhile, Gigaba has publicly voiced support for the recently established Government of National Unity (GNU), led by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Acknowledging possible friction among the participating political parties, Gigaba emphasizes the need for mature cooperation to achieve urgent national priorities such as economic growth and job creation. He insists the GNU must work together, despite ideological differences, in the interest of the country’s future^[2].

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