Former defence and military veterans minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has denied soliciting a R2m bribe to secure her husband's promotion to surgeon general of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Mapisa-Nqakula testified in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, disputing the authenticity of WhatsApp conversations with SANDF logistics contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu. Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu previously testified that Mapisa-Nqakula demanded the bribe.
The WhatsApp exchanges, presented by the state, allegedly show Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu telling Mapisa-Nqakula that her husband was concerned about a document extending the term of then-surgeon general Lt-Gen Aubrey Sedibe. Mapisa-Nqakula allegedly responded with concern, stating it was "shocking" and "not possible". Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu reportedly expressed trust in Mapisa-Nqakula, saying "We trust in you my elder." Mapisa-Nqakula faces 12 counts of corruption and one of money laundering.
Mapisa-Nqakula denied ever having the exchange with Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, arguing that the phrasing was inconsistent with how she speaks. She stated that the messages were not between herself and Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, and that Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu did not send her the message. Mapisa-Nqakula claimed she had no idea where the messages originated and that no one else had access to her phone.
However, when asked to provide her own record of their WhatsApp history, Mapisa-Nqakula admitted she did not have one. State prosecutor Emile van der Merwe pressed Mapisa-Nqakula to admit to demanding the R2m bribe, which she firmly denied. Van der Merwe asserted that Mapisa-Nqakula possessed the authority to ensure her husband's promotion, but Mapisa-Nqakula rejected this.
Mapisa-Nqakula insisted she had no influence over the appointment of SANDF officials and had never asked for money from Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu. She explained that her role was to ensure the department functioned, but she did not have a say in who got appointed by the president. Mapisa-Nqakula previously testified that her husband was passed over for the surgeon general position due to lacking security clearance and conduct concerns.
Mapisa-Nqakula learned of the reasons behind the decision during discussions with the Council on Defence (COD), which she chaired alongside other high-ranking officials. She noted that she also learned of her husband's suspension during those meetings. Mapisa-Nqakula reiterated that she played no oversight role, offered no recommendations, and held no sway in candidate selection.
The case against Mapisa-Nqakula involves allegations of soliciting R4.5m in bribes, R2.1m of which was allegedly paid in cash by Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu to secure and retain government contracts. Mapisa-Nqakula's trial continues, with the state presenting evidence and witnesses to testify against her.
Key points
- Mapisa-Nqakula denies soliciting a R2m bribe to secure her husband's promotion to surgeon general of the SANDF.
- The WhatsApp conversations presented by the state allegedly show Mapisa-Nqakula responding with concern to Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu's message about her husband's promotion.
- Mapisa-Nqakula faces 12 counts of corruption and one of money laundering stemming from her tenure as defence minister between 2016 and 2019.
