OUTA says society should be concerned about Zizi Kodwa's return to Parliament
This comes after reports that the former Minister of Arts, Sports, and Culture, Zizi Kodwa will be making a come back as an MP in the 7th Administration Parliament.
Former Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa appeared in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Palm Ridge on 5 June 2024 on corruption charges. Picture: Xanderleigh Dookey Makhaza/Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - The corruption watchdog, OUTA (Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse) says South Africans should be concerned if members of Parliament (MPs) charged with corruption return to occupy seats in the house.
This follows reports that the former Minister of Arts, Sports, and Culture - Zizi Kodwa - will make a parliamentary comeback in the 7th administration.
Kodwa appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court earlier this month.
ALSO READ: Action SA disappointed with Zizi Kodwa's imminent return to Parliament
Kodwa is implicated by the state capture inquiry for receiving almost R1,7 million from the former executive of the IT Group EOH Mthombo, Jehan Mackay, between 2014 and 2015.
It's alleged that the former EOH boss funded Kodwa’s luxury holidays and loaned him around R1,7 million.
OUTA's executive director Wayne Duvenage said returning Kodwa to Parliament would be a setback in the fight against corruption.
“It would be a concern for citizens and civil society if people in that situation find themselves into Parliament first of all, and into positions of power in government. You know he has resigned yet he's still an MP. He's still protected now by the ANC to some extent, and we be believe that that's a concern for us, for South Africa."