President Appoints Maropene Ramokgopa as Acting Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

Kodwa’s resignation is linked to allegations that he received approximately R1.7 million in bribes, charges which he denies and is challenging in court.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Minister Maropene Ramokgopa to act as the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture until a permanent appointment is made under the new seventh administration. This follows the resignation of Zizi Kodwa, who stepped down as Minister and member of the Cabinet on Wednesday.

Kodwa's resignation is linked to allegations that he received approximately R1.7 million in bribes, charges which he denies and is challenging in court. He appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court on Wednesday in connection with these allegations.

In a statement released on Friday, the Presidency announced that President Ramaphosa accepted Kodwa's resignation and thanked him for his service to the nation. Kodwa served as Deputy Minister of State Security from 2019 to 2023 and as Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture from March 2023.

Maropene Ramokgopa, who is also the Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation, will take on the role of Acting Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture until a permanent successor is appointed.