It doesn't rain but it pours for corruption accused former Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa who resigned from his position yesterday after his court appearance. This morning, Kodwa, whose resignation was accepted by President Cyril Ramaphosa stepped aside from his duties at the ANC.

STEPPING ASIDE

In a letter addressed to ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, Kodwa informed him about his decision to step aside. "I hereby inform you of my intention to step aside as a member of the National Working Committee and National Executive Committee of the African National Congress with immediate effect following being formally charged for allegations of corruption during the case proceedings against me. I remain a committed and disciplined member of the African National Congress. I will keep you informed on the status and progress of my case," Kodwa's letter reads. The step-aside rule is the ANC's internal policy which requires members charged with serious crimes including corruption to voluntarily step-aside from party duties.

GRATIFICATION SCANDAL

Kodwa is embroiled in a corruption scandal where he is accused of accepting a gratification of over R1,7 million from businessman Jehan Mackay, whose company had contracts with the government. At the time of the payment, Kodwa was the ANC spokesperson and the deputy minister of State Security.

Zizi and Mackay appeared before the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court yesterday facing charges of corruption. They were granted R30 000 bail each and they are due back in court on 23 July 2024. Shortly after his appearance in court, Kodwa resigned from his position as the Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister.