Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa, a close ally of President Cyril Ramaphosa, is set to appear in court after being arrested and charged with corruption. The charges against Kodwa, who was previously the deputy minister responsible for State Security, stem from his involvement in the State Capture Commission, chaired by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.
According to reports, Kodwa is scheduled to make his first court appearance before the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court in Ekurhuleni, facing corruption charges involving R1.7 million. The former deputy minister is alleged to have accepted bribes from businessman and former EOH boss Jehan Mackay, who is also expected to appear in the same court.
Kodwa, a former deputy minister in the Presidency responsible for State Security, was implicated in the State Capture Commission led by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. This high-profile commission has been instrumental in uncovering widespread corruption and malfeasance within South Africa's political landscape.
The arrest of Minister Kodwa, announced by News24, came just hours before his scheduled court appearance at the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court in Ekurhuleni. The charges against him stem from allegations that he accepted bribes totaling approximately R1.7 million from businessman and former EOH boss Jehan Mackay. Mackay himself is expected to appear alongside Kodwa in court, further intensifying the gravity of the situation.
These allegations first came to light during the Zondo-led commission of inquiry into State capture in 2020. It was revealed that Kodwa had allegedly received payments from Mackay on multiple occasions, totaling the significant sum. The commission's report, released in April 2022, recommended that President Cyril Ramaphosa carefully consider Kodwa's position as the deputy minister of state security due to his alleged indebtedness to Mackay.
"The commission accordingly recommends that the president considers the position of Mr. Kodwa as deputy minister of state security. Having regard to the fact that Mr. Kodwa appears to find himself in a position where he is beholden by Mr. Jehan Mackay," Chief Justice Raymond Zondo stated in his report.
The implications of these charges are far-reaching, not only for Kodwa but also for the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party and the government as a whole. Kodwa's close ties to President Ramaphosa have raised eyebrows, with many questioning whether he received preferential treatment and was shielded from the ANC's "step aside" rule. This internal policy requires members charged with corruption or other serious crimes to voluntarily relinquish their participation in party and government activities, or face suspension.
Kodwa's appointment as South Africa's Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture by President Ramaphosa in 2023 was met with mixed reactions. Some praised the President's decision, citing Kodwa's experience and dedication to public service. However, others expressed concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the need for a thorough vetting process in light of the corruption allegations surrounding him.
This latest scandal threatens to deepen public distrust in the government and further erode confidence in the ANC, which has been grappling with numerous corruption scandals in recent years. South Africans are growing increasingly weary of the pervasive corruption that hampers progress and undermines the nation's development.
As the court proceedings unfold, the nation will be watching closely. The outcome of this case will have significant implications not only for Minister Kodwa's political future but also for South Africa's fight against corruption and the restoration of public trust in its leaders.
It is a critical moment for the nation, and the reverberations of this scandal will undoubtedly be felt for years to come. The pursuit of justice and the restoration of ethical governance must remain at the forefront of South Africa's agenda if it is to overcome the challenges that lie ahead.
