Zizi Kodwa is Expected to Return in Parliament

(The Post News)– Former Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa, facing corruption charges, retains his parliamentary membership despite missing last week’s swearing-in ceremony. Kodwa resigned as Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture amidst ongoing corruption allegations.
 
However, Kodwa will remain in Parliament as a backbencher after serving as deputy minister and minister in the sixth administration.
 
Kodwa was absent from Parliament’s first sitting and was not sworn in when his name was called during the ceremony last Friday.
 
This sparked speculation about his future and whether he would take his parliamentary seat while he dealt with corruption allegations.
 
Earlier this month, Kodwa appeared in the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crime Court alongside his co-accused, former EOH boss Jehan Mackay, on corruption charges involving R1.7 million.
 
He had been arrested on suspicion of accepting bribes from government suppliers and was offered bail of R30,000.
 
In a step-aside letter to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, Kodwa said he would stay a committed and disciplined party member.
 
The step-aside rule is an internal ANC policy that requires party members accused of corruption or other serious crimes to voluntarily recuse themselves from party and government activities or be suspended.
 
However, on Friday, Kodwa confirmed to EWN that although he registered as a member of parliament last week, he will not be sworn in at the Speaker’s office until next week.
 
According to EWN, Wayne Duvenage, executive director of the Organisation to Undo Tax Abuse (Outa), said Kodwa’s return to Parliament would hinder the fight against corruption.
 
ActionSA said the group condemned Kodwa’s reinstatement despite facing serious corruption charges for allegedly accepting a R1.7 million bribe.
 
ActionSA parliamentary Caucus Leader, Athol Trollip, said Kodwa was in the Specialised Commercial Crime Court in Palm Ridge, where he was charged based on evidence in the State of Capture Report.
 
Kodwa was accused of accepting bribes in return for influencing the awarding of government contracts.
 
Trollip stated that, in a constitutional state, it is inconceivable that an individual can simultaneously appear in court for corruption offences can be a member of parliament, contributing to the making of the laws of the country.
 
“As we wait with bated breath for President Ramaphosa to announce his cabinet, it is apparent that yet another ‘new era’ promised in his inauguration speech is off to a rocky start, noting not only this matter but also the fact that the MC of his inauguration, namely Nomvula Mokonyane, is herself implicated in the same State Capture Report for corruption,” Trollip said.
 
He said ActionSA essentially believes that with the ANC, a corruption-free and prosperous South Africa is incompatible.
Attempts to dilute the ANC’s support through a Government of National Unity (GNU) and half-hearted renewal efforts are insulting to the intelligence of South Africa.