The African National Congress (ANC) has confirmed that its corruption-accused former Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, will be sworn in as a Member of Parliament (MP) on Tuesday, 25 June.
Kodwa, who has been implicated in various corruption charges, will be rejoining the parliamentary ranks despite ongoing legal proceedings.
Zizi Kodwa has been accused of receiving nearly R1.7 million between 2014 and 2015 from former IT group EOH executive Jehan Mackay. This revelation came to light during the state capture inquiry.
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The charge sheet alleges that Mackay made 14 transactions in favor of Kodwa, including a significant payment of R1 million. Additionally, there was a R30,000 payment referenced as “streetwise zizi” to Kodwa’s FNB account.
According to ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, Kodwa will be sworn in by the newly elected Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza.
Bhengu-Motsiri stated that although Kodwa resigned as a minister following the corruption charges, he could only assume lesser roles while awaiting the court’s decision on his guilt or innocence.
She explained that the party’s step-aside rule would require Kodwa to leave parliament if found guilty. Should the court rule in his favour, he might be eligible for ministerial positions again.
In response to Kodwa’s parliamentary return, the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) raised concerns. Wayne Duvenage, OUTA’s executive director, expressed alarm over Kodwa’s comeback, suggesting it could be a setback in the fight against corruption.
Duvenage highlighted the irony of Kodwa’s resignation, followed by his reappointment, questioning the ANC’s commitment to anti-corruption efforts.
This sentiment reflects a broader concern among citizens and civil society regarding the integrity of political representatives.
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