Johnathan Paoli
Corruption accused and former Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa, has said he has been instructed by the ANC to be sworn in as a Member of Parliament (MP) joining other figures, some controversial, who are poised to occupy a seat in the National Assembly.
Kodwa, together with 58 candidates from the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, were sworn in at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Tuesday.
“I am here as a disciplined member because I have been expected to come and be sworn in,” he said.
MK party members sworn-in include former Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe, Black Land First leader Andile Mngxitama, Muvhango actress Phindile Gwala, former EFF MP Moses Mbatha, former Finance Minister Des van Rooyen, SuperSport United Communication Director David Skosana, Duduzile Zuma and Visvin Reddy, a KZN businessman accused of inciting violence.
However, MK Secretary-General Arthur Zwane said members of the party are attending the swearing in ceremony not as an acceptance of the electoral outcome, but to hold the “government of non-unity” accountable.
Furthermore, 37 MK members have been sworn in as members of the KZN provincial legislature, including prominent photographer Siphiwe Moyo from Newcastle who decided to quit his job and pass it on to his son, turning his efforts to a commitment to public service.
“The legislature’s work is a calling, a dedication to our people. That is why I have chosen to step away from my career as a photographer,” he said.
Other MPLs include Phumlani Mfeka, the controversial leader of the Injeje Yabenguni Civil Organisation, Kwazi Mbanjwa, former KZN director-general and adviser to former SA President and current MK leader Jacob Zuma, Phathisizwe Chiliza, the deputy traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu king, and uMsinga businessman Smanga Mabaso.
The swearing of Kodwa as an MP has drawn criticisms from opposition parties. Kodwa alongside former EOH executive Jehan Mackay appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court, earlier this month, in connection with allegations of receiving R1.68 million in bribes.
ActionSA’s Athol Trollip has criticised Kodwa’s return and said that once one belonged to an organisation whose members are involved in corruption, one had no choice but to defend the guilty in reference to the fact that the ANC has decided to support his actions.
“We do not want to be involved in a government of national unity that protects people like Zizi Kodwa, and brings them back to Parliament despite very serious charges of corruption against them,” Trollip said.
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri had earlier said, in support of Kodwa’s swearing in as an MP, that he would be given lesser roles while awaiting for the ruling by the court.
Bhengu-Motsiri said the party’s step-aside rule would only become operational after he has been found guilty.
“If the court rules are in his favour, he will be eligible to take the ministerial positions again but if the case rules otherwise then he will have to step aside completely,” Bhengu-Motsiri said.
This is a sharp contrast to how the step-aside policy was applied to leaders such as former Secretary-General Ace Magashule, and recently former NA speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula who both resigned from their positions after being charged with corruption.
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