by Thinus Ferreira
South Africa's sports, arts and culture minister Zizi Kodwa abruptly resigned on Wednesday after he was arrested and appeared in court in relation to corruption charges and receiving in excess of R1.6 million in bribes.
Zizi Kodwa appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court on Wednesday morning and was later released on bail of R30 000.
In a statement from South Africa's department of sports, arts and culture - issued after his arrest and court appearance, Zizi Kodwa said that he "has informed the president that he will resign as minister of sports, arts and culture and member of cabinet, after being formally charged".
Zizi Kodwa appeared in court today with co-accused Jehan Mackay, a former EOH executive who allegedly paid Zizi Kodwa bribes.
Jehan Mackay was mentioned in the Zondo Commission inquiry into state capture in South Africa, where allegations were made in 2021 that he paid bribes to several people, including ANC political party members, including Zizi Kodwa while he was the deputy minister of state security.
Steven Powell, the managing director of ENSafrica's forensic division, testified before the Zondo Commission that Zizi Kodwa got payments over R2 million, as well as luxury accommodation from EOH in exchange for getting lucrative contracts after bidding for various government tenders.
In addition, Zizi Kodwa got payments over R1.6 million from Jehan Mackay as bribes.
The case has been adjourned to 23 July.
