By Lerato Mpembe
The corruption case involving former Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, has been postponed to 10 September 2024, following a brief hearing at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. Kodwa, along with his co-accused, former EOH executive Jehan Mackay, is facing charges related to an alleged R1.6 million bribe, which reportedly influenced government contracts.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Mackay had made further legal representations to the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) in an attempt to have his charges dropped. This development led to the postponement, as the court awaits the outcome of Mackay’s application. Magistrate Phillip Venter granted the delay, emphasizing that the tight timelines would allow for meaningful progress in the case.
Kodwa’s legal representative, Advocate Zola Majavu, expressed readiness to proceed to trial, despite the ongoing delays caused by his co-accused’s legal maneuvers. Speaking outside the court, Majavu remarked, “We were hoping that today we would set a trial date. We were ready on the last occasion, regardless of the answers given.” He acknowledged the significant impact these postponements have on Kodwa, particularly regarding his public reputation.
Majavu highlighted the extensive personal and professional damage caused by the allegations, noting that the case has led to Kodwa’s resignation from his ministerial post, his role as a Member of Parliament, and his membership in the ANC’s National Executive Committee. “The prejudice is huge, the reputational damage continues on a daily basis, but he does not locate himself above the law,” Majavu added.
The charges against Kodwa stem from allegations that Mackay paid him bribes in the form of cash, luxury accommodations, and other benefits between 2015 and 2018. These payments were allegedly made in exchange for Kodwa’s influence in securing lucrative government tenders for EOH and Tactical Software Systems (TSS), leading to the cancellation of a R360 million tender.
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