‘I am filled with pain and anger’: Gigaba slams Mngoma’s claims

It must have been a very tense evening in the Gigaba family home on Monday evening, 31 May 2021, after former minister Malusi Gigaba returned from giving his testimony at the State Capture Commission. Gigaba took the stand and responded to some of his estranged wife, Norma Mngoma’s jaw-dropping revelations made at the commission – including how he allegedly turned to the scandal-plagued Gupta family, on several occasions, seeking to benefit some of his family members.

The couple have appeared before the State Capture Commission a few times, giving contradictory evidence, with Mngoma making allegations which Gigaba would return to vehemently deny – all while living under the same roof.

Did Malusi Gigaba’s family benefit from the Gupta family?

Norma Mngoma has told the State Capture Commission that Malusi Gigaba’s family also had a slice of the Gupta pie. Mngoma claimed Gigaba renovated his father’s home in Mandeni, KwaZulu- Natal, using Gupta funds. She has also alleged that his sister was given R800 000 from the family to pay her debts.

Responding to Mngoma’s claims, Gigaba told the commission he was upset at his estranged wife for insulting his family simply because he would not accede to her divorce settlement demands.

The former minister claimed his father paid for his own renovations, however in her responding affidavit, Mngoma claimed her father in-law was so broke, he couldn’t even afford medical aid. Gigaba took exception to this.

“I would be okay if it was me she was demeaning and attacking, but not my family. My father had medical aid and had children that could look after him. If he could not afford medicines I was there,” he said.

He then apologised to DCJ Raymond Zondo for losing his cool.

“I am sorry for raising my voice, chairperson, but I am filled with pain and anger at how my family is being dragged into this when they do not deserve it. I appreciate what our parents have done for us and would never allow anyone to insult them.”

Former minister Malusi Gigaba

Gigaba has once again also vehemently denied having been guided by the Gupta family while presiding over the various government portfolios, as per his wife’s evidence.

“Ms Mngoma gets confused with dates, reasons and facts. Remember chair, this is the same person who claims she came up with the South African smart ID,” he said.