I gave minister bags of money – Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula caught up in bribery scandal

Speaker of Parliament, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, is currently under investigation following allegations that she received millions of rands in cash bribes from a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) contractor during her tenure as defence minister.

The accusations suggest that she solicited and received up to R2.3 million in cash, delivered discreetly in gift bags by Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, the wife of a general in the SANDF’s military health service.

The investigation, which has been ongoing for six months and was kept confidential within the Investigating Directorate (ID), has reportedly gathered statements that implicate Mapisa-Nqakula in the alleged bribery scheme.

Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, in a sworn affidavit, detailed how she handed over cash to Mapisa-Nqakula on multiple occasions between November 2016 and July 2019, using coded terms like “wigs”, “impepho” (incense), “imithi” (medicine), and “snuff” to refer to the money.

Andrea Johnson, head of the ID, refrained from commenting on the specifics of the investigation but confirmed that the directorate does not disclose details of ongoing investigations.

When approached for a response, Mapisa-Nqakula denied any knowledge of the investigation but expressed readiness to cooperate if questioned or charged.

“If that is what you are saying, [that] I am being investigated, I expect that I will be questioned by the directorate and if I am being charged I will be taken to court. And then I will speak for myself,” Mapisa-Nqakula stated. “But I do know Nombasa, and I have met her.”

The unfolding investigation has raised serious concerns about corruption within the defense sector, shedding light on alleged illicit activities that have tarnished the reputation of those involved.