In a dramatic development, former South African Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula is facing intense scrutiny after revelations emerged about her involvement in arranging a controversial meeting between Atul Gupta, a central figure in the state capture scandal, and senior Home Affairs officials. The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that Mapisa-Nqakula personally facilitated the meeting, raising serious procedural and legal concerns.
The controversy centers on an application for long-term residence that Mapisa-Nqakula unlawfully authorized for Atul Gupta’s nephew. The application had initially been rejected due to the applicant’s failure to meet the necessary criteria. The Gupta family, infamous for their role in South Africa’s state capture scandal, had applied for South African citizenship in 2013. However, their application was denied after it was discovered that they could not meet the strict requirements, including renouncing their previous citizenships. Notably, Ajay Gupta refused to give up his Indian citizenship, further complicating the process.
Despite the rejection, Mapisa-Nqakula intervened, arranging a meeting between Atul Gupta and senior Home Affairs officials to discuss the residence application. This move has now resurfaced as part of ongoing investigations into the Gupta family’s involvement in state capture—a period marked by widespread corruption and the abuse of power for private gain during Jacob Zuma’s presidency. The Gupta family’s influence over South Africa’s government led to numerous corruption allegations, and their relocation to Dubai has not shielded them from continued scrutiny.
Mapisa-Nqakula, who served as Minister of Home Affairs from 2004 to 2009, is now under investigation for potential illegalities. Her intervention is being viewed as unlawful due to procedural violations and apparent favoritism toward the Guptas. This comes after Atul Gupta’s subsequent application for a South African ID was denied by the Pretoria High Court, citing his criminal record.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has been vocal in calling for the revocation of citizenship for Gupta family members implicated in the scandal. Adrian Roos, a DA representative, emphasized the need for swift and decisive action to address these issues.
The revelations add another layer of controversy to Mapisa-Nqakula’s already turbulent political career, which has been marred by allegations of corruption and money laundering, particularly during her tenure as Minister of Defence and Military Veterans. As she awaits trial on serious corruption charges, the ongoing investigation into her role in facilitating the Gupta family’s access to South Africa’s political and business systems continues to cast a shadow over her legacy.
This latest development underscores the far-reaching impact of the state capture scandal and the importance of holding those involved accountable. As the investigation progresses, the spotlight remains firmly on Mapisa-Nqakula and her actions during one of the most contentious periods in South Africa’s political history.