ANC expects Kodwa to notify Mbalula formally of his intention to resume his duties
This comes after the Director of Public Prosecutions’ recent decision to drop the fraud and corruption charges against the former minister. Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has refused to divulge factors that influenced its decision to drop the corruption charges against Kodwa.
Zizi Kodwa. Picture: GCIS
JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) says its former spokesperson Zizi Kodwa must formally notify Secretary General Fikile Mbalula of his intentions to return to his duties within the party.
This comes after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)’s recent decision to drop the fraud and corruption charges against the former minister.
Kodwa resigned from his ministerial position and stepped down as a member of the ANC's national executive committee (NEC) nearly five months ago when the charges were brought against him.
Although he has indicated his desire to return to the NEC, ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu says there are processes to follow.
"If you go to the step-aside guidelines, that spells out clearly what must happen. It will then be incumbent on comrade Zizi to then write to the secretary general for his matter to be reviewed.
“Upon receipt of such correspondence, it will then be processed in accordance with the entirety of the step-aside guidelines."
NPA MUM ON DROPPING CHARGES AGAINST KODWA
Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has refused to divulge factors that influenced its decision to drop the corruption charges against Kodwa.
A visibly emotional Kodwa left the courtroom, seemingly hopeful that his political career would resume where it left off.
His lawyers had previously expressed to the court several times that there were no reasonable prospects for successful prosecution.
And while the NPA initially believed it had a strong case against the former minister, it now says new developments have emerged, leading to a change in circumstances.
However, the NPA’s spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwana, could not provide details about these developments.
“We are not in the position to share the details contained in their representation as well as the factors that informed the DPP’s position.”
She said the DPP exercised its discretion to withdraw Kodwa’s charges.
KODWA FELT ‘LONELY’
Reflecting on the developments surrounding corruption allegations against him, Kodwa described it as some of the loneliest times in his political career.
He says this did not leave him without a job but also made him feel isolated, with very few people in his corner.
“To be here, you can feel lonely. You can only rely on your family. My wife and children were very strong pillar of my support.”
He expressed gratitude to some ANC leaders for showing him support.
“The very first day I appeared, I got a visit from the leadership of the ANC Youth League as led by President [Collen] Malatji and Secretary General [Mntuwoxolo] Ngudle. I also got many calls after that, they gave me strength.”
Kodwa now wants to focus on realigning himself with the programme of the ANC.