Sport, arts & culture minister Zizi Kodwa has announced his immediate resignation. This follows his arrest on Tuesday and appearance in court on corruption charges on Wednesday.
He denies wrongdoing.
Kodwa appeared in the Palm Ridge magistrate’s court on Wednesday in connection with allegations that he received about R1.7-million in bribes.
“Kodwa has informed the president that he will resign as minister of sports, arts & culture and member of cabinet, after being formally charged. He expresses his sincere appreciation to the president and the governing party for the opportunity to serve the nation,” the ministry said in a statement.
The now former minister, who appeared in court with former EOH executive Jehan Mackay, was granted bail of R30 000 after pleading not guilty to the charges against him. Mackay was also released after securing bail.
Mackay is alleged to have channelled corrupt payments to Kodwa.
TechCentral reported in 2020 that Mackay had taken centre stage in corruption allegations at the Zondo commission into state capture. Those allegations centred on payments to senior ANC figures, including Kodwa, who was the party’s national spokesman at the time.
Suspicious payments
Suspicious payments were made by Mackay, from his personal bank account, to Kodwa (who now serves as sports minister) and to Siyabulela Sintwa, a former personal assistant to ex-President Jacob Zuma at the ANC’s Luthuli House headquarters, evidence introduced at the judicial commission of inquiry headed by then deputy chief justice Raymond Zondo showed. — (c) 2024 NewsCentral Media, with additional reporting by SANews
