Mapisa-Nqakula 'paid in cash for R1.8m home renovation'
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Former South African Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula is on trial for corruption, with testimony revealing she allegedly paid for luxury home renovations exclusively in cash. The state claims these funds were part of unlawful benefits received from a defence contractor.
Why it matters
The case is a significant test for South Africa's judicial system in holding high-ranking political officials accountable for alleged corruption.
It was a dramatic day in Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula’s corruption trial as the court heard about luxury home renovations paid for in cash and R600,000 curtains made from imported fabric. Then a prominent lawyer walked out of the proceedings.
5 Aug 2026 Former defence minister and Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula. () Dive Deeper Speed Read Summary Listen Dive Deeper The interior designer behind the extensive renovation of former defence minister and National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula’s Johannesburg home has told the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria she was paid exclusively in cash for the project.
The cost of the project climbed to nearly R1.8-million, the court heard, including R600,000 for curtains made from imported fabric.
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