Malusi Gigaba, former South African Minister of Finance and Home Affairs, has recently taken legal action against his ex-wife, Norma (Noma) Mngoma, to prevent the broadcast of an interview she gave on the Showmax series Untied. In this interview, Mngoma reportedly makes several damaging allegations about Gigaba, including claims of pornography addiction, infidelity, and misuse of public funds during their marriage.
Gigaba filed an urgent application in the Johannesburg High Court, naming MultiChoice (the broadcaster), Goat Originals (the production company), and Mngoma herself as respondents. He sought to interdict the airing of the episode and to prevent Mngoma from making further public allegations about him.
Allegations and Content of the Dispute
The contested episode of Untied features Mngoma discussing:
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Alleged addiction to pornography by Gigaba
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Claims of multiple extramarital affairs
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Accusations that Gigaba inherited his behavior from his late father
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Allegations that their lavish lifestyle was funded by taxpayers’ money
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Details surrounding Mngoma’s arrest by the Hawks, which she claims was orchestrated by Gigaba to intimidate her
Gigaba argues that these statements are unproven, infringe on his dignity, and violate his right to privacy. He is particularly concerned about the potential further damage to his reputation, which he says he has been trying to rebuild since leaving public office.
Court Outcome
The Johannesburg High Court granted Gigaba a temporary interdict, blocking the release of the Untied episode featuring Mngoma until the matter returns to court for further consideration. Both parties are expected to make additional submissions before the court makes a final decision.
Context: Previous Legal Disputes
This is not the first time the former couple has been in court. A court previously found that the Hawks’ arrest of Mngoma was unlawful and constituted an abuse of power by Gigaba, who was accused of orchestrating the arrest to intimidate her during their marital dispute.
Malusi Gigaba’s Life After Divorce
Following his divorce from Norma Mngoma, Malusi Gigaba has entered a new relationship and is reportedly preparing to marry for the third time. In late 2022, he paid lobola for his new partner, Nomfundo Fakudze from eSwatini, signaling a serious commitment. Gigaba’s personal life has remained in the spotlight due to past scandals, including a leaked sex tape and allegations of infidelity during his previous marriages. Despite these controversies, he continues to be a notable figure in South African politics and society, though his reputation has been affected by both his personal and political challenges.
Norma Mngoma’s Life After Divorce
Norma Mngoma has also remained in the public eye, particularly due to her outspoken stance on her marriage and divorce with Gigaba. She has been involved in legal battles with him, including the recent court case to stop the airing of her interview on the Showmax series Untied, where she discusses their turbulent marriage and makes serious allegations against Gigaba. Mngoma has been vocal about her experiences, including the unlawful arrest by the Hawks, which a court later ruled was orchestrated to intimidate her. Her public profile has grown as she shares her side of the story, navigating the aftermath of their high-profile split.
Both continue to attract media attention, with their personal disputes and legal battles frequently reported, reflecting the ongoing tensions and unresolved issues stemming from their marriage and divorce.
