Two prominent members of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) — Brian Molefe and Siyabonga Gama — who are both facing serious corruption charges, will remain seated in the South African Parliament. This decision by the MKP has ignited widespread public discourse about accountability, political integrity, and the rule of law in South Africa.
Controversy Surrounds MKP MPs Accused in Multimillion-Rand Fraud Case
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has announced that it will not suspend or remove its two Members of Parliament, Brian Molefe and Siyabonga Gama, despite both being formally charged with corruption. The two high-profile politicians handed themselves over to authorities earlier this week in connection with a 2012 Transnet locomotive tender scandal worth millions of rand.
The Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court in Ekurhuleni granted Molefe and Gama bail of R50,000 each. Both men face allegations related to fraudulent activities during their respective tenures at Transnet, a major South African state-owned logistics company.
This decision by the MKP to allow the pair to remain in Parliament has triggered a national debate about political accountability, rule of law, and institutional integrity in South Africa.
MKP’s Defense: “Political Witch Hunt”
In an official statement, MKP national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela expressed the party’s confidence in the legal process, but also condemned what he referred to as “a politically motivated campaign” against its members.
“No, these charges reek of nothing else but a political agenda. We’re not going to suddenly purge our members on the basis of accusations tied to a period when they were involved in state institutions. Let’s await the court process,” Ndhlela said.
He further suggested that the prosecution of Molefe and Gama is part of a broader campaign targeting Black professionals and intellectuals, especially those affiliated with MKP or formerly in leadership positions at state-owned enterprises (SOEs).
“We are particularly alarmed at what appears to be a targeted campaign against Black professionals and intellectuals… These developments reflect unfair treatment similar to what our president experienced — lacking fairness and constitutional justice,” he added.
Who Are Brian Molefe and Siyabonga Gama?
Brian Molefe served as the CEO of Transnet from 2011 to 2015. He later held key leadership roles at Eskom and the Public Investment Corporation. Molefe has remained politically active and was sworn in as a Member of Parliament for MKP in 2024.
Siyabonga Gama succeeded Molefe as Transnet CEO but was fired in 2018 amid allegations of misconduct. He previously held roles such as President of the Union of African Railways and President of the Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa.
Both men testified at the State Capture Commission of Inquiry, also known as the Zondo Commission, where they were questioned about their involvement in questionable procurement deals and management decisions while at Transnet.
The 2012 Transnet Tender Scandal
The central allegation concerns a multibillion-rand locomotive deal signed by Transnet in 2012 with Chinese and other foreign companies. Investigations revealed inflated prices, irregular procurement procedures, and possible kickbacks to executives and politically connected individuals.
According to reports, the deal cost the South African public billions and is one of the most high-profile cases stemming from the broader State Capture era during former President Jacob Zuma’s administration.
Criticism from Other Political Parties
Members of the African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have expressed concern about MKP’s decision to keep Molefe and Gama in Parliament. Critics argue that this move undermines the public’s trust in democratic institutions and accountability mechanisms.
EFF previously supported Gama’s legal challenge against his 2018 dismissal, labeling the move as part of a political purge by the then Minister of Public Enterprises. This support has now shifted into concern about ongoing corruption trials involving former executives.
Is This Selective Justice or Accountability?
The MKP insists that the legal process must be allowed to unfold without premature judgment. However, civil society organizations like Corruption Watch and OUTA (Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse) argue that allowing accused MPs to remain in office sends a dangerous message of impunity.
“This isn’t about political affiliation. It’s about respecting public funds, ensuring transparency, and restoring faith in governance,” said one analyst.
State Capture Commission’s Role
The Zondo Commission, concluded in 2022, laid the groundwork for many of the current legal proceedings. The Commission’s report named numerous individuals, including Molefe and Gama, in connection with corrupt dealings and called for criminal investigations.
Their appearance at the Commission included testimony on the locomotive procurement, with investigators pointing to irregularities that violated procurement laws, internal controls, and fiduciary duties.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
The South African public remains divided. Some see the charges as a long-overdue step in rooting out corruption. Others — especially MKP supporters — believe it’s part of a systematic campaign to silence revolutionary voices and discredit Black leadership in the public sector.
Local media outlets, including News24, TimesLIVE, and The Citizen, have extensively covered the story, highlighting both the legal developments and political implications.
for more aboute this topic
- State Capture: What You Need to Know
- Transnet Procurement Scandals Explained
- EFF’s History with Public Enterprises
also you can visit :
- Transnet Official Website
- Zondo Commission Reports
- EFF Political Party
- Corruption Watch South Africa
Conclusion
While Molefe and Gama await trial, their continued presence in Parliament is a reflection of the tension between legal presumption of innocence and political responsibility. The MKP’s decision sets a controversial precedent, and the unfolding legal proceedings may reshape public perceptions of the party’s commitment to anti-corruption.
This case is more than just a legal issue — it’s a litmus test for South Africa’s fight against corruption, party loyalty, and constitutional accountability. All eyes will remain on the courtroom and Parliament in the months ahead.
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