African National Congress (ANC) MP Malusi Gigaba said on Thursday that the party’s step-aside principle does not imply guilt on his side, stating that there is no indictment and evidence of wrongdoing in the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) matter.

On Tuesday, the IDAC formally added Gigaba as the fifth accused in a corruption case involving former Transnet executives, at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crime Court.

The charges relate to Gigaba’s tenure as Minister in the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) between November 2010 and May 2014.

The matter was postponed to January 30, 2026, for the disclosure of the docket, as well as the provision of an indictment, and a date for the transfer of the case to the High Court.

On Wednesday, the ANC said in a statement that Gigaba voluntarily stepped aside from his responsibilities following his recent court appearance.

Gigaba affirmed in a video post on the X platform that he stepped aside voluntarily, in compliance with the ANC’s resolutions and constitution.

“This is my own decision guided by revolutionary conscious and discipline on my part. My desire always to enhance organisational integrity and my respect and love for my movement,” he said.

Gigaba said the step-aside principle allowed the legal process to continue without affecting the ANC.

He stated that the matter before IDAC related to an “unproven allegation” of an unsolicited benefit under schedule 1, and was not a procurement matter.

He said he remained confident of the facts and continued to cooperate fully with authorities.

Gigaba said he would not be commenting or participating in internal ANC matters until the matter was finalised.

“When it concludes, I stand ready to resume my duties,” he said.