By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Sports, arts and culture minister Zizi Kodwa has resigned after his arrest and court appearance in connection with allegations that he received R1.6 million in bribes.
Kodwa is appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
This was revealed following his appearance in court in connection with bribery alleagtions during his time as State Security Deputy Minister.
Kodwa and co-accused former EOH boss Jehan Mackay were released on R30,000 bail.
Presiding judge Sheron Rantao released the pair on R30,000 bail each with the condition that they attend all court proceedings, not interfere with witnesses, and that if they wish to travel outside of the province, they must consult with the investigating officer.
“This [resignation] comes as Kodwa challenges the charges against him, which he strongly denies,” read the statement.
Kodwa was 25th on the ANC’s national list of members headed for parliament following the country’s elections on May 29.
The charges stem from information shared at the State Capture Commission in 2021 regarding corruption involving IT company EOH Holdings.
Steven Powell, who is the Managing Director of ENSafrica’s forensics department, mentioned that Kodwa obtained R2 million in payments and luxury accommodations from EOH during the process of bidding for government tenders.
Additionally, Kodwa was implicated in receiving questionable payments from Mackay, a former executive of EOH Mthombo, which were related to government tenders.
These payments include a R1 million “loan” that Kodwa received from Mackay, which he used to buy a Jeep, but never paid the money back.
Powell revealed that a day before Mackay sought Kodwa’s help regarding a Home Affairs tender EOH had been removed from, Kodwa received R45,000 from EOH.
Additionally, EOH covered the cost of his stays in high-end accommodation in Cape Town.
These accommodations were in prime locations, including Fresnaye, Camps Bay, and Clifton, known for their extravagance and hefty price tags. Kodwa had a particular fondness for The Pentagon Villa in Clifton, where he stayed for 3 days at a cost of R150,000 and even had a private chef for R11,700.
Despite these transactions, Kodwa maintains that the financial benefits he received from Mackay were not in exchange for influencing tender decisions or governmental spending.
The matter has been reprimanded until 23 July 2024, during which time the State will provide the defence with a copy of the docket so that consultations can be held and instructions from their respective clients taken.