Zizi Kodwa, the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture and African National Congress Member of Parliament, has announced his resignation following corruption charges involving R1.7 million. Kodwa was implicated in the State Capture Commission, chaired by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. He appeared in court with his friend and co-accused businessman, Jehan Mackay, who was granted R30,000. Kodwa maintains that he is not guilty and expresses gratitude to the President and the governing party for the opportunity to serve the nation.
In seeking bail, Kodwa, through legal eagle Zola Majavu SC, stated that he is innocent until proven guilty and has been complying with investigations. He expressed his sincere appreciation to the President and the governing party for the opportunity to serve the nation and to all the staff at the Ministry and Department of Sport, Arts and Culture for the opportunity to serve with them and to all stakeholders in sport, arts and culture.
In 2020, the Zondo-led commission of inquiry into allegations of State capture heard that Kodwa allegedly received money paid by Mackay, who was then an executive of South Africa's largest technology group, EOH Holdings. The commission recommended that President Cyril Ramaphosa consider Kodwa's then position as deputy minister in the Presidency responsible for State Security.
The prosecution led by Neville Mogagabe said the investigations have been completed, and both accused men are not deemed to be flight risk. The charge sheet in the case outlines that the crime of corruption was committed when Kodwa was spokesperson for the ANC.
