In South Africa, a case thought to be dormant has resurfaced: corruption charges against Zizi Kodwa, former Sport and Arts minister, are reported to have been reinstated, reviving a matter closely watched across the country.
Charges reinstated
According to Africanews, the corruption charges against Zizi Kodwa — arrested in June 2024 while still a minister — were reportedly reinstated in early 2026 by the former National Director of Public Prosecutions. A revival that puts the case back on the judicial rails.
The former minister is accused of receiving around 1.6 million rand — some $85,000 — in bribes in 2016, in connection with IT maintenance contracts for the city of Johannesburg.
One case among many
The matter is part of a wider run of prosecutions targeting former South African officials, in the wake of the “state capture” revelations. Case by case, the country is trying to restore the credibility of its institutions and its justice system.
In sport they call it extra time. In South African justice it looks more like the match resuming after years of stoppage.
What the courts will have to settle
Zizi Kodwa has so far denied the charges against him. The proceedings will have to establish the reality of the alleged payments and his exact role. Until any judgment, the presumption of innocence fully applies.
Magouilles & Compagnie verdict
A case pulled back out of the drawer, a relatively modest sum next to other South African scandals, but a symbol: that of a justice system refusing to let cases quietly fade away. The rest will play out in court.
⚖ Your verdict Live
In your view, is this a case of magouille — or calomnie?
📚 Sources
- Africanews — South African state prosecutors reinstate bribery charges against former minister
- ModernGhana — South Africa reinstates corruption case against ex-minister
❓ FAQ
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