Former Minister, Zizi Kodwa, who faces charges of corruption, made a comeback to the National Assembly on June 25, 2024. His swearing-in sparked a heated debate due to his failure to adhere to the ANC’s step-aside rule, adopted at its 54th National Conference held in Nasrec, Johannesburg, in 2017.
At the conference, the ANC adopted a resolution requiring members charged with criminal offences to step aside.
Three weeks ago, Kodwa was arrested and appeared in the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crime Court on allegations of accepting bribes and perks totaling R1.6 million. He was released on R30,000 bail.
Following his arrest, Kodwa resigned from his positions as minister, member of parliament, and ANC NEC member amid his ongoing corruption case. He vehemently denied the charges against him.
Despite these charges, Kodwa was sworn in as a member of parliament yesterday. Critics argue that the ANC’s step-aside rule was implemented to fight internal factionalism rather than to combat criminal behaviour.
Kodwa’s court case is scheduled to resume on July 23, 2024.
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Written by: Thato Letsaba
Image: News24
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