The defence of former Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture and former ANC spokesperson, Zizi Kodwa, has expressed frustrations over delays in his corruption case. Kodwa, alongside his co-accused, Jehan Mackay, appeared briefly at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court today.

READY FOR TRIAL

 Kodwa’s defence Zola Majavu told the court that they are ready to go on trial while his co-accused MacKay made an application to have all the charges against him dropped. Majavu said allegations hanging over Kodwa’s head are damaging to his reputation, his political career and to him as a human being. "Be that as it may, he does not locate himself above the law, so we are happy due process is unfolding," said Majavu. During his previous appearance, Majavu requested further particulars from the state, which the state has since provided.

 ABUSE OF POWER

 The state prosecutor in the matter said Kodwa used his position within the ANC to direct tenders towards Mackay’s information and technology company, Enterprise Outsourcing Holdings. It’s alleged that between 2014 and 2016, Kodwa received kickbacks amounting to R1.7 million from Mackay. Both Kodwa and Mackay were granted bail of R30,000 each after handing themselves over to the SAPS in June. The arrests were part of an ongoing Hawks’ multi-disciplinary task team investigation into allegations of state capture, and follow recommendations by the Zondo Commission. The matter has been postponed to 10 September for a decision from the National Director of Public Prosecutions on Mackay’s application to have all the charges against him dropped.