Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa has resigned from his position as both the minister and Member of Cabinet with immediate effect. This comes as he challenges the charges against him, which he strongly denies.
Kodwa, along with his co-accused Mr Jehan Mackay, appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday on corruption charges. This after he allegedly received R1.6 million in bribes.
According to the Hawks, Kodwa was arrested following the Zondo Commission’s recommendations on state capture. The charges against the now-former minister, form part of investigations into contracts worth more than R460 million that were awarded to EOH Holdings by the City of Johannesburg in 2016. The company was reportedly hired to upgrade and maintain the metro’s software systems.
The Commission found “questionable transactions” between Kodwa and Mackay, who is a former EOH director. During the court appearance, 54-year-old Kodwa said he is aware of the nature and gravity of the charges and intends to plead not guilty.
During proceedings, the pair proved not to be considered as flight risks and was released on R30,000 bail with conditions. These conditions require them to attend all court appearances, and hand over their personal passports to the investigating officer (IO). If movement is warranted outside the country, the IO should be informed.
The case has been postponed to 23 July 2024.
MEDIA STATEMENT
Zizi Kodwa resigns as Sport, Arts and Culture minister
Mr Zizi Kodwa, MP, announces his immediate resignation as Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture. This comes as Mr Kodwa challenges the charges against him, which he strongly denies. pic.twitter.com/582A1hovrs
— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) June 5, 2024
During his resignation, Kodwa expresses his sincere appreciation to President Cyril Ramaphosa and the governing party for the opportunity to serve the nation.
He also expressed thanks to all the staff at the Ministry and Department of Sport, Arts and Culture for the opportunity to serve with them, and the stakeholders with whom he has worked as Minister.
