Minister Zizi Kodwa, South Africa’s outgoing sports, arts, and culture minister, has been arrested and charged with bribery allegations as his party, the ANC, attempts to form a government following an election deadlock. Kodwa appeared in court alongside co-accused Jehan Mackay, where he was granted bail. He has denied the accusations and intends to plead not guilty to the charges of taking bribes totaling 1.6 million rand in connection with contracts for the city of Johannesburg’s software systems. The allegations stem from a judicial inquiry in 2021 where Kodwa was implicated in government corruption.
Kodwa, a member of the ANC’s National Working Committee, was also accused of using some of the bribe money to purchase a luxury SUV vehicle. As the ANC discusses coalition options to form a government after losing its majority in the recent election, Kodwa’s arrest comes at a crucial time for the party. The ANC received 40 percent of the vote, losing its parliamentary majority for the first time, and now must engage in talks with potential partners to secure a coalition agreement. Government corruption was a key issue that influenced voters to turn away from the ANC in the election.
The ANC has not disclosed which party or parties it is considering forming a coalition with and discussions are ongoing. As the party navigates coalition talks, the scandal surrounding Kodwa’s arrest adds further scrutiny to the ANC and highlights the challenges faced in forming a stable government. Kodwa’s lawyer stated that he will not avoid trial and plans to present his defense at a later stage. The allegations against Kodwa involve his time as the national spokesperson for the ANC and as the deputy minister of state security, raising questions about corruption within the party.
The arrest and charges against Kodwa have placed additional pressure on the ANC as it seeks to negotiate coalition agreements and regain political stability. The ANC’s internal discussions within the National Working Committee will play a crucial role in shaping the party’s strategy moving forward. With government corruption being a significant factor in the election results, the ANC will need to address these issues transparently and effectively to regain public trust. The outcome of Kodwa’s trial and the handling of corruption allegations within the party will have a significant impact on the ANC’s ability to govern effectively in the future.
