Corruption charges against Zizi Kodwa, co-accused withdrawn
Kodwa and his co-accused made their final appearance at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Friday morning.
Jehan Mackay (L) and former minister Zizi Kodwa at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 21 August 2024. Picture: Thabiso Goba/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - Former Minister Zizi Kodwa’s fraud and corruption charges have been dropped.
Kodwa and his co-accused made their final appearance at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Friday morning.
The former African National Congress (ANC) spokesperson faced allegations of accepting bribes from his co-accused, Jehan Mackay, in exchange for awarding government contracts to his tech company EOH.
Kodwa said he’d been vindicated.
BREAKING; The fraud and corruption charges against Former Sports minister Zizi Kodwa and co-accused Jehan Mackay have been withdrawn.
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) November 1, 2024
After reviewing their submission, the Director for Public Prosecutions decided to drop their charges. @Alpha_Mero25 pic.twitter.com/vtLqCJE3Sc
Kodwa said he would resume his duties in the ANC following the withdrawal of the charges.
He was facing allegations of accepting nearly R1.7 million in bribes to influence tenders in favour of Mackay's tech company.
Kodwa first appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on 5 June 2024.
On the same day, he stepped down from the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and resigned as minister.
This was in line with the ANC’s step-aside rule, which mandates anyone facing criminal charges to relinquish their party and government duties.
Kodwa said he had been vindicated.
He added that it was time to pick up the pieces.
“I will resume my responsibilities in the African National Congress. I also want to thank the leadership of the ANC, past and current, who continue to express their support.”