South Africa’s minister of sports, arts and culture Zizi Kodwa has resigned with immediate effect, following corruption charges amounting to R1.7 Million ($90,000).
Kodwa was arrested on Wednesday and later appeared at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s court before issuing a statement to announce his resignation.
Kodwa said in a statement that he strongly denied the charges against him.
President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Kodwa into the cabinet last year after being deputy minister of state security.
He was spokesperson of the African National Congress (ANC) party from 2014 to 2017.
In its 2017 elective conference, the ANC passed a resolution that office holders implicated in serious crimes should step down from their positions pending final verdict by the courts.
After losing its majority in last week’s parliamentary election, the ANC is considering to form a government of national unity with some parties in the opposition.
Kodwa was granted a R300,000 bail during a hearing at a magistrate’s court in Johannesburg, according to a statement by SAPS. His lawyer said he would not evade trial and would disclose his defence at a later stage.
The charges against Kodwa stem from a judicial inquiry into alleged corruption during former president Jacob Zuma’s time in office.
Kodwa allegedly received bribes from an manager of a local technology firm in lieu of government contracts. The Hawks said the money was reportedly used to buy a luxury car among other things.
