Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa resigns with immediate effect
It's alleged that Zizi Kodwa received bribes from Jehan Mackay and in exchange, his company was awarded R400 million in government contracts.
Sports, Arts and Culture minister Zizi Kodwa in the dock at the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting, in Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on 5 June 2024. Picture: Xanderleigh Dookey-Makhaza/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa has resigned with immediate effect.
"Mr Kodwa has informed the President that he will resign as Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture and member of Cabinet, after being formally charged," said the Sports, Arts and Culture Ministry in a statement.
Kodwa appeared, alongside his co-accused, former EOH boss Jehan Mackay at the Specialised Commercial Crimes court sitting, at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
The pair have been granted bail of R30,000 each.
READ: Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa appears in court on corruption charges
They are facing corruption charges amounting to R1.7 million.
It's alleged that Kodwa received bribes from Mackay and in exchange, his company was awarded R400 million in government contracts.
During his appearance at the state capture commission, Kodwa told the then Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo that the money he received from Mackay was a loan.
KODWA TO FACE ANC INTERNAL DISCIPLINARY ACTION
At the same time, the African National Congress (ANC) said Kodwa, who is an NEC member, would be expected to face internal disciplinary action following his arrest on corruption charges.
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri briefed the media on Wednesday, on the outcomes of the party's national working committee meeting held on Tuesday.
She said corruption claims against Kodwa would not be taken lightly.
"The step-aside policy will step in or should I say the Constitution of the ANC will kick in because we all respect the rule of law and there is really no question about it," Bhengu-Motsiri added.
NPA COMMITED TO PURSUE STATE CAPTURE-RELATED CRIMES
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it remained committed to holding people accused of
State capture-related crimes accountable for bringing State institutions to their knees.
NPA Gauteng spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, said resources to deal with such crimes were set aside.
“This case is just, but one of those that build on the number of enrollments that we have done in cases related to state capture. So much of the work continues. We, as the prosecution, will continue to play the role of guiding and monitoring the investigations.”
Mjonodwane said it’s unclear whether more arrests would be made at this stage.
“There are cases related to the one that is before court. However, with the one that is before court, investigations are concluded, and we are ready to disclose the contents of the docket.”