Zizi Kodwa, South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, faced corruption charges on Wednesday, resulting in his arrest and subsequent resignation. A spokesperson for Kodwa vehemently denied the charges, emphasizing his innocence amid legal proceedings.
Kodwa, who assumed his ministerial role last year in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet, previously served as the deputy minister of state security and held the position of spokesperson for the African National Congress (ANC) party from 2014 to 2017.
The ANC, grappling with a loss of parliamentary majority in the recent election, faces additional challenges amid Kodwa’s legal troubles. The party is considering forming a government of national unity.
During a court hearing in Johannesburg, Kodwa was granted bail, according to the elite police unit, the Hawks. His lawyer affirmed Kodwa’s commitment to face trial and present his defense at a later stage, as captured in footage by the public broadcaster SABC.
The charges against Kodwa stem from a judicial inquiry into alleged corruption during the tenure of former president Jacob Zuma. Allegations suggest Kodwa received a bribe of approximately 1.7 million rand ($90,000) from an executive of a local technology company that secured tenders from government departments. The funds, according to the Hawks, were reportedly used for personal expenses, including the purchase of a luxury car.
