Former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula became emotional during her latest court appearance at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Monday, August 18, 2025. The high-profile corruption case, which has drawn national attention, involves allegations that she accepted R4.5 million in bribes from a defense contractor while serving as Minister of Defence between 2016 and 2019.
Mapisa-Nqakula faces 12 counts of corruption and one count of money laundering. Prosecutors allege she received R2.1 million in cash kickbacks from businesswoman Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, whose company, Umkhombe Marine, secured a R104 million defense contract. Some of the funds were reportedly used for renovations at Mapisa-Nqakula’s Bruma home.
Monday’s hearing, initially meant to assess progress in the case, instead saw further delays. Mapisa-Nqakula’s legal team requested additional documents from the prosecution, including investigation diaries and correspondence. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Henry Mamothame stated that the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption provided the requested materials to move the case forward. Despite this, the trial has faced multiple postponements, with the next hearing set for March 28, 2025.
Former National Assembly Speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula breaks down in court pic.twitter.com/06NIuV4gKO
— News Live SA (@newslivesa) August 18, 2025
Mapisa-Nqakula, who resigned as Speaker after her arrest in 2024, has denied all charges, calling the state’s case weak. However, the prosecution claims to have strong evidence, including testimony from Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, who is cooperating as a state witness.
The former Speaker’s emotional breakdown in court highlighted the personal strain of the prolonged legal battle. The case has reignited debates about accountability in South Africa’s political leadership, with many watching closely as the trial date approaches.
