Zizi Kodwa resigns as ANC MP amid corruption charges

Kodwa

Cape Town — Former Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, Zizi Kodwa, has resigned from his position as an African National Congress (ANC) Member of Parliament (MP).

This marks Kodwa’s second resignation this year after he resigned as Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture due to corruption charges linked to an alleged R1.7 million bribe he received. He was arrested alongside businessman Jehan Mackay and was later released on a R30 000 bail.

Just weeks after his resignation, he was controversially appointed as an MP by the ANC, which prompted questions from opposition parties. Kodwa explained that he was sworn in as an MP because he was on the ANC’s list of candidates and that the ANC would be able to explain its decision.

Now, the ANC said it confirmed Kodwa’s resignation on Wednesday and the party’s secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, had accepted the letter.

“The secretary-general of the ANC, comrade Fikile Mbalula, has received a letter from comrade Zizi Kodwa formally communicating his resignation as a member of parliament. The resignation is with immediate effect,” said ANC acting national spokesperson Zuko Godlimpi on Thursday.

The former minister of sports, arts and recreation and his co-accused, businessman Jehan Mackay, appeared in court for corruption and were instructed to avoid contact with the six witnesses who will testify for the state.

The ANC Veterans League (ANCVL) leader, Snuki Zikala, questioned why Kodwa was sworn in and said those implicated in state capture should also step aside to protect the dignity of the party, he told Newzroom Afrika.
“As veterans, we asked the question ‘why was he in?’ and we heard that there were instructions, we don’t know by whom, that he should be sworn-in so we are still investigating that because it is unacceptable,” he said.
“So we are saying that those who have been sworn in now, and who are implicated in state capture, and who have been fingered by the disciplinary committee, should do likewise. So we as the veterans do not allow that to happen because the integrity and dignity of the ANC is very very important,” he added.

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Compiled by Matthew Petersen

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