Ramaphosa Appoints Maropene Ramokgopa as Acting Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Following Kodwa's Resignation

Image Source: President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Maropene Ramokgopa to act as Sports, Arts and Culture Minister. (OJ Koloti/Gallo Images)

Published by Everything ZA News

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Maropene Ramokgopa to act as Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture following the resignation of Zizi Kodwa on Wednesday. Ramokgopa, who currently serves as the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation, will assume the role temporarily until a permanent appointment is made under the new seventh administration.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed the appointment on Friday, noting that President Ramaphosa received Kodwa’s resignation letter shortly after the latter was formally charged with corruption at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court. Magwenya conveyed Ramaphosa’s gratitude for Kodwa’s service, highlighting his roles as Deputy Minister of State Security from 2019 to 2023 and Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture since March 2023.

“President Ramaphosa accepted Minister Kodwa’s resignation and thanked Mr Kodwa for his service to the nation,” said Magwenya. “President Ramaphosa has appointed Minister Maropene Ramokgopa to act as Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture until a permanent appointment is made under the new seventh administration.”

The announcement comes amid South Africa’s efforts to form a Government of National Unity following the general elections on 29 May. Ramokgopa, who also holds the position of the ANC’s second deputy secretary-general, will step into her new role during a critical period of political transition.

Kodwa’s resignation and subsequent court appearance alongside former EOH boss Jehan Mackay stem from allegations of receiving R1.6 million in bribes. The charges are part of a broader investigation into contracts worth over R460 million that the City of Johannesburg awarded to EOH Holdings in 2016 for software system upgrades and maintenance.

News24 reported that Magistrate Sheron Soko-Rantao granted bail to both Kodwa and Mackay. The case has been postponed to 23 July to allow the disclosure of the docket to the defense and for pre-trial consultations.

The Zondo Commission previously implicated Kodwa in questionable transactions, revealing that between February 2014 and April 2015, EOH-related entities and Mackay made cash payments totaling around R1.6 million to Kodwa. These payments allegedly funded luxury accommodations, loans, and other benefits for Kodwa.

In adherence to the ANC’s step-aside rule, Kodwa wrote to the party’s national executive committee on Thursday, announcing his intention to comply with the directive immediately. In a statement shared on social media by SABC journalist Samkele Maseko, Kodwa affirmed his commitment to the ANC’s renewal resolution and his determination to protect the party’s reputation during the legal proceedings.

“I do this in strict compliance with the ANC 55 Conference resolution on renewal. In addition, to ensure avoidance and protection of the name and reputation of the organisation 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 stated.

As South Africa navigates this period of political change, the ANC faces the challenge of maintaining stability and public trust while addressing internal and external scrutiny. Ramokgopa’s appointment as acting Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture will be a pivotal step in this ongoing process.