Pretoria – The Gauteng Division of the High Court, Pretoria, has adjourned the ongoing corruption trial of former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.
The 70-year-old former speaker appeared in court earlier today, Wednesday 11 November 2026, without her usual headdress, sporting a striking bald head.
The graft allegations relate to the period when Mapisa-Nqakula was Minister of Defence.
Ironically, one of the accusations against her regarding soliciting bribes involves a wig, mentioned in messages to the service provider, who has turned state witness.
Mapisa-Nqakula is facing 12 counts of corruption and one count of money laundering, wherein she is accused of soliciting R4,5 million, with R2,1 million allegedly received as cash from the service provider.
The state has completed its cross-examination of Mapisa-Nqakula, who has pleaded not guilty and denies soliciting or receiving bribes from the service provider.
An arrest warrant dated 2 October 2026, issued against Mapisa-Nqakula after she failed to appear in the Pretoria High Court, was put on hold.
The matter was adjourned to Friday, 13 November 2026, which happens to be the former speaker’s 71st birthday.
Mapisa-Nqakula is out on R50 000 bail.
