Kodwa bows out as MP over corruption charges

Muhammad Amin

Former Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa has resigned as an MP over corruption charges, bowing out of Parliament under pressure from backbenchers who say he has to face the same medicine as erstwhile strong man Ace Magashule.

Kodwa is facing corruption charges in the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crime Court alongside former EOH boss Jehan Mackay.

He’s alleged to have received R1.7million in bribes from the outsourcing company.

IOL reports in 2020, the Zondo-led commission of inquiry into State Capture heard Kodwa received money paid by Mackay, who was then an executive of South Africa’s largest technology group, EOH Holdings.

ENS Forensics managing director Steven Powell claimed Kodwa received the money in eight payments.

Kodwa’s presence in Parliament has drawn fire on the ANC, with critics accusing it of double standards in its “step aside” policy.

Political foes of President Cyril Ramaphosa, like Magashule, were removed from office under the step-aside convention, which dictates that members cannot represent the party while criminal charges in court.

The critics said Kodwa and others in the ANC’s ranks facing corruption chages had to also step down.