Nqakula paid cash as she's 'not an EFT person’
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Former South African defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula testified in her corruption trial that she paid for home renovations in cash because she struggled with electronic fund transfers. The proceedings were interrupted when she fell ill in court.
Why it matters
The trial is a high-profile case involving allegations of corruption against a former senior government official, drawing significant public interest in South Africa.
Before falling ill in court, former defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula testified she struggled with EFTs and relied on cash to pay workers during the R1.8-million renovations at her Joburg home. Her legal team says her doctor will advise whether she is fit to return to court.
10 Sep 2026 Illustrative image: Former defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula. (Photo: Darren Stewart/ Gallo Images) | South African bank notes. (Photo: Adobe Stock) Dive Deeper Speed Read Summary Listen Dive Deeper Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula’s evidence was cut short on Wednesday, 9 September, after she fell ill during a court break and required medical attention, but before she left court she testified about why workers renovating her home in Bruma, Johannesburg, were paid in cash.
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