Mapisa-Nqakula Takes the Stand as Travel Allowances Come Under Scrutiny
Mapisa-Nqakula takes the stand in corruption trial
Former National Assembly Speaker and Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has taken the stand in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, as her corruption and money-laundering trial continues to attract national attention.
Mapisa-Nqakula faces 12 counts of corruption and one count of money laundering. The State alleges that she received about R4.5 million, including an alleged $10,000 payment, from defence contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu.
Mapisa-Nqakula denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty.
Her appearance in court marks another significant stage in a case that has followed her since she resigned as Speaker of the National Assembly in April 2024.
For more South African political and national news, visit the Everyday Mzansi Politics section.
Travel allowances questioned in court
On Wednesday, 9 September, the court heard evidence concerning Mapisa-Nqakula’s overseas travel allowances during her time in government.
According to SABC News, Mapisa-Nqakula denied using illicit funds for overseas travel.
Testifying in isiXhosa through an English interpreter, she explained that ministers receive foreign-currency allowances for official trips, including money intended to cover unforeseen expenses.
The issue of travel expenditure forms part of the wider evidence being examined by the court as the former minister responds to the State’s case.
What is the case about?
The State alleges that Mapisa-Nqakula solicited and accepted approximately R4.5 million in bribes from a defence contractor while serving as Defence Minister.
The alleged payments are linked to the period between 2016 and 2019, when Mapisa-Nqakula was Defence Minister.
The prosecution alleges that the payments were made in connection with military transport tenders.
Mapisa-Nqakula has consistently denied the allegations.
Earlier this week, the Gauteng High Court dismissed her application seeking to have the case against her discharged, clearing the way for the trial to continue. Judge Mashudu Munzhelele found that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence for the matter to proceed.
The National Prosecuting Authority has previously confirmed that Mapisa-Nqakula faces corruption and money-laundering charges relating to allegations that she solicited and received money from a service provider.
Mapisa-Nqakula rejects allegations
The former Speaker has denied that she used illicit money for overseas travel and has disputed the State’s allegations against her.
Her testimony gives the defence an opportunity to respond directly to evidence presented by prosecutors during the trial.
The court will ultimately have to consider the evidence presented by both the State and the defence before reaching a decision.
As the proceedings continue, the case remains one of the country’s closely watched corruption trials because of Mapisa-Nqakula’s former senior positions in government and Parliament.
From Defence Minister to former Speaker
Mapisa-Nqakula served as Defence Minister before becoming Speaker of the National Assembly in August 2021.
She resigned as Speaker in April 2024 amid the corruption allegations and subsequently faced criminal charges.
The case has since moved through a number of preliminary stages before reaching the current trial.
The State alleges that the money was connected to Mapisa-Nqakula’s dealings with defence contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu.
The contractor has featured prominently in the prosecution’s case, with the State relying on evidence relating to alleged payments and interactions during Mapisa-Nqakula’s time as Defence Minister.
A closely watched court battle
Wednesday’s proceedings place Mapisa-Nqakula’s own testimony at the centre of the trial.
Her explanation of ministerial travel allowances is now being examined alongside the wider allegations before the court.
For South Africans following the case, the trial is significant not only because of the amount of money allegedly involved, but also because of the senior government positions previously held by the accused.
Mapisa-Nqakula maintains her innocence.
The case remains before the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, where the evidence will continue to be tested before the court reaches its final decision.
Everyday Mzansi will continue following the proceedings and bringing readers updates as the trial develops.
