Retired Major General Noel Ndhlovu has told the Pretoria High Court that an investigation into his wife’s South African National Defence Force (SANDF) contracts derailed his chances of securing one of the military’s most senior positions.
His testimony formed part of the ongoing corruption trial involving former Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula. Ndhlovu is married to SANDF contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu.
Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu has accused Mapisa-Nqakula of soliciting R4.5 million in bribes from her. Both she and her husband have testified that he was expected to become the SANDF’s next Surgeon General following the planned retirement of General Aubrey Sedibe. The allegations remain central to the case before the court.
Mapisa-Nqakula Trial Hears Suspension Halted SANDF Promotion
Ndhlovu told the court he was next in line for the Surgeon General position before his career took an unexpected turn. He said he was suspended after authorities began investigating his wife’s SANDF tenders. As a result, his anticipated promotion never materialised.
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According to Ndhlovu, he only returned to work in 2024 after spending four years on suspension. By then, Dr Ntshavheni Maphaha, whom he described as his junior, had already been appointed to the position. Ndhlovu said he retired a year later.
SANDF Contractor Claims Meeting Discussed Husband’s Appointment
The court also heard evidence about a meeting involving Mapisa-Nqakula, President Cyril Ramaphosa and former SANDF Chief General Solly Shoke. Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu claimed the former defence minister supported her husband’s appointment during those discussions. She alleged that Shoke opposed the move.
The details of the meeting were presented as part of the evidence being led during the trial. The claims form part of Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu’s account of events surrounding her husband’s stalled promotion.
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Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu has alleged that Mapisa-Nqakula attempted to solicit R2 million from her to secure Ndhlovu’s appointment as Surgeon General. She told the court that she refused to make the payment.
She has also accused the former defence minister of soliciting a total of R4.5 million in bribes. Those allegations continue to be examined as the corruption trial proceeds in the Pretoria High Court.
