Norma Mngoma to testify at State Capture Commission

Norma Mngoma is set to take the stand at the State Capture Commission on Monday, April 26, 2021 – weeks after her last minute withdrawal from testifying.

The commission announced on Sunday that it would have an evening session to hear an application by former ANC MP and cabinet minister Malusi Gigaba, for leave to cross-examine Mngoma, who is his estranged wife.

Mngoma is scheduled to give her evidence at 16:00.

She was initially set to testify before the commission on Tuesday afternoon, April 13, 2021 – however one of her legal representatives, Gcwalisile Makhathini told the commission that she had opted against further participating.

“We received instructions from our client informing us of, one, her personal concerns with how various aspects regarding her proposed appearance at the commission (have) been handled or allegedly mishandled by the commission. And, two, her decision to, therefore, withdraw her participation in the work of the commission,” Makhathini said.

Malusi Gigaba and the Guptas: What haven’t we heard before?

The bulk of Norma Mngoma’s testimony will be based on Malusi Gigaba’s questionable relationship with the controversial Gupta family.

Like several other former government officials, Gigaba’s name has come up a number of times at the commission and he is considered one of the allies to former president Jacob Zuma, who allegedly helped enable grand looting by the family.

Mngoma has long expressed her willingness to appear before the commission – something which was likely spurred by her strained relationship her husband. Gigaba had her arrested in July 2020, after she allegedly vandalised a R3 million luxury vehicle, which he had borrowed from a friend.

The charges against her have since been dropped and Mngoma is now taking legal action against the state.

Given her explosive interview with eNCA, some can’t help but wonder whether she’ll divulge anything new or even more jaw-dropping than what we’ve already heard.

She revealed how Gigaba made countless trips to the Gupta compound and that they were pretty much his benefactors – footing the bill for the couple’s wedding and giving him wads of cash.

“I never received a call from them, but we were frequently there [at the Gupta’s house] and they used to come to our house too. Especially when he was in the Department of Public Enterprises,” Gigaba said during the interview.