Malusi Gigaba blocks airing of porn allegations interview

Former government minister Malusi Gigaba has temporarily halted the broadcast of a highly anticipated episode of the Showmax series Untied, which features a tell-all interview with his ex-wife, Noma Mngoma.

The court's decision to interdict the airing has caused a stir in both political and entertainment circles, as the episode reportedly reveals damaging allegations against the former minister. Untied, hosted by Relebogile Mabotja, is a new eight-part talk show exploring the realities of divorce through the personal experiences of South African women.

The show includes guests such as Sonia Booth, Dawn Thandeka King, and Zandi Nhlapo. Mngoma's episode was expected to delve into intimate and controversial details from her tumultuous marriage to Gigaba.

According to court papers, Gigaba approached the High Court after learning about the episode through a WhatsApp message from executive producer Vanessa Tloubatla in May.

Tloubatla informed him that Mngoma had spoken about their past, including alleged infidelity, addiction to pornography, the use of state funds for personal gain, and the involvement of law enforcement in her arrest.

Gigaba, who served as Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Public Enterprises, and Minister of Finance between 2010 and 2018, claims the episode would severely damage his already fragile public image.

In his affidavit, he stated that the show was not only prying into his private life but also making unproven and harmful accusations about his professional conduct during his time in office. The legal action names MultiChoice as the first respondent, Goat Originals as the second, and Mngoma as the third. Gigaba argues that the statements made by Mngoma infringe upon his dignity and violate his right to privacy.

He also expressed concern that the content could undermine his efforts to rehabilitate his reputation after stepping away from politics.“Since resigning as a minister, I have tried to lead a private life and rebuild my name,” he said in the documents.

“I have not used public platforms to discuss or diminish the third respondent’s character. Yet, she continues to do so with mine.”

As part of the show’s production process, Gigaba was offered an opportunity to respond to the allegations. He was given summarised content and selected clips from the interview. After viewing them, he instructed his lawyers to seek an urgent interdict.

He claimed that Mngoma suggested his behaviour was inherited from his father and that he had never taken responsibility for his alleged actions.

A short exchange shared in court between Mngoma and the show’s host touched on accusations of extramarital affairs, screenshots of messages sent by other women, and references to Gigaba blaming his father for his behaviour.

“There is no truth to claims that I lived an extravagant lifestyle funded by taxpayers,” Gigaba responded.

“During the Zondo Commission, Mngoma herself stated under oath that I was financially struggling and she was the one purchasing household items.”

The judge granted an interim interdict, preventing the release of the episode until the matter returns to court on 7 July for further consideration.

Additional submissions from both parties are expected before then.

The situation underscores the growing tension between public figures seeking to protect their reputations and content creators aiming to share unfiltered personal narratives. Whether the episode will eventually air remains uncertain, but it has already generated significant public interest.

As the court date approaches, South Africans are left wondering whether the truth about one of the country’s most controversial political relationships will ever fully come to light.