Gwede Mantashe Wins Defamation Case As Court Finds Theft Claim False, SA Says Judiciary Is Captured
- Zakhele Zuma has been found guilty of making false and defamatory claims against Gwede Mantashe
- Zuma alleged that the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy pocketed money that was meant for miners
- South Africans shared reactions to the court's ruling, with some noting Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's claims
- Briefly News spoke to financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha about how individuals can safeguard their finances and reputation when dealing with defamation or legal challenges
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Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – The Johannesburg High Court has ruled in Gwede Mantashe’s favour, finding that allegations made against him were defamatory.
Activist Zakhele Zuma alleged that the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy misappropriated R40 million that was meant for East Rand Proprietary Mines (ERPM) employees.
Zuma made the claims in a series of TikTok videos between 24 May 2035 and 10 June 2025. He was then served with a cease-and-desist letter, but continued making the claims that Mantashe had pocketed the money.
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What did the court find?
On Thursday, 17 July 2025, the Johannesburg High Court found that his statements were false and defamatory. Acting Judge Nicoline Janse van Nieuwenhuizen also interdicted him from repeating the claims.
“It is declared that the allegations made by the respondent about the applicant on TikTok and other social media platforms, specifically that the applicant received R40 million from a company called East Rand Proprietary Mines, which was meant for the miners, are false and defamatory,” the judge ruled.
Judge van Nieuwenhuizen added that Zuma was interdicted from doing any interview or posting statements that said or implied that the Acting Minister of Police received the money from the ERPM mine. Zuma is also liable to pay damages.
Fikile Mbalula posted the full judgment on his X account.
Briefly News asked financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha how individuals, including celebrities, can protect their wealth and reputation when facing defamation or legal action. She said:
"It’s often worthwhile to work with a professional marketing or branding team to help shape, build, and even clean up your public image where necessary.
Beyond strategy and aesthetics, living out your values consistently is key. There should be clear alignment between how you live and what your brand represents."
How did South Africans react?
Following allegations by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that the judiciary was also captured, social media users had little faith that Mantashe was innocent.
Uncle'Ken Thaba stated:
“It's true. There's evidence.”
Griffin Magalasi Botha II stated:
“We know it’s true, only in that the court lacks credibility. Don't forget the courts are captured as per Mkhwanazi.”
Angela Brinkley noted:
“There is zero chance that Gwede is squeaky clean. He is as corrupt and ineffective as the rest of them.”
Koos Mbele joked:
“This one took that money. Lol, have you seen his stomach?”
Zweli Sandlesihle Mdlalose stated:
“I will trust the courts only when Ramaphosa leaves office.”
Judge Mdluli added:
“Don't trust those guys in the courts for now until Ramaphosa goes.”
LeraMe Matimela said:
“ The judiciary is captured.”
Hope Greatfull agreed:
“The courts are corrupt.”
Makgato Makgato said:
“The judiciary is captured by the ANC criminal syndicate.”
What you need to know about Gwede Mantashe
Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe has rejected findings by the Zondo Commission linking him to corrupt dealings with Bosasa, accusing Chief Justice Raymond Zondo of overstepping his role.
The commission’s third report, released in March 2022, flagged Mantashe for receiving security upgrades at his private homes, allegedly paid for by Bosasa while he was ANC secretary-general. Zondo recommended that the matter be referred for further investigation, suggesting a possible corruption case.
Mantashe has pushed back strongly, denying he received any bribes and vowing to challenge the report through a judicial review process. He maintains the upgrades were not part of a corrupt exchange.
Slamming the Chief Justice, Mantashe accused Zondo of treating the state capture report as his personal project, saying he should “let the authorities do their work” instead of inserting himself into the process.
Mantashe lays charges against Zuma
Briefly News reported on 8 June 2025 that Mantashe opened criminal charges against Zakhele Zuma.
Zuma claimed that Mantashe stole R40 million during his time as general secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers.
Mantashe believed that Zuma, whom he said he didn't know, was affiliated with the uMkhonto weSizwe Party.
Source: Briefly News
Byron Pillay (Current Affairs Editor) Byron Pillay is a Current Affairs Editor at Briefly News. He received a Diploma in Journalism from the Caxton Cadet School. He spent 15 years covering politics, crime and current affairs. He was also the Head of Department for Sports Brief, where he covered both local and international sporting news. Email: byron.pillay@briefly.co.za
Fulufhelani Mashapha (Author and Actuarial Analyst) Fulufhelani Mashapha is a qualified actuarial analyst and author of 'Mind Your Cents'. She is also a One Young World Ambassador and Personal Finance Youtuber focusing on budgets, debt, savings, insurance and investments.
