Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa has resigned with immediate effect. His resignation comes after his arrest and appearance at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crime Court, in Ekurhuleni, on allegations of corruption, where was granted bail of R30 000 bail.
Kodwa together with businessman and director of Tactical Software Systems (TSS) and former Senior Executive of Enterprise Outsourcing Holdings (EOH) Jehan Mackay, are facing charges of Contravention of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA) and Corruption.
“Kodwa has informed the President that he will resign as Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture and Member of Cabinet, after being formally charged.
Kodwa expresses his sincere appreciation to the President and the governing party for the opportunity to serve the nation. He also takes the opportunity to express thanks to all the staff at the Ministry and Department for the opportunity to serve with them, and to all stakeholders in Sport, Arts and Culture, with whom he has worked so well with as Minister,” said Kodwa spokesperson, Litha Mpondwana.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) argues that between April 2015 to February 2016, Kodwa received direct payments and luxury accommodation worth over R1,6 million paid by and/or facilitated by Mackay as gratifications for his interventions in government procurement processes to advance the interests of Mackay, TSS and EOH.
This happened when Kodwa was the spokesperson of the African National Congress.
According to the NPA, the case stems from the recommendations penned by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo in part four of his reports into allegations of state capture.
“Part four of the report specifically dealt with corruption and fraud in the public sector, including state organs.
Zondo had presided over the Judicial Commission Inquiry into state capture and upon conclusion of its work, recommended that law enforcement agencies should investigate attempts by Mackay, to induce Kodwa to interfere with procurement processes and that the President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa should consider the position of Kodwa as Deputy Minister of State Security because of his tainted relationship with Mackay,” said NPA Regional Spokesperson-Gauteng Division, Johannesburg, Phindi Mjonondwane.
The two are expected to return to court on 23 July as the case was postponed for disclosure of the contents of the docket to the accused, by the state.