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The FW de Klerk Foundation welcomes Zizi Kodwa’s resignation as a Member of Parliament (“MP”). Zizi Kodwa was sworn in as an MP despite facing criminal charges for corruption. If Kodwa is convicted and sentenced to more than a year in jail, without the option of a fine, the Constitution bars him from being an MP until five years after completing the sentence (section 47(1)).

“Parliament is a crucial institution: MPs represent us and make our laws. They are charged by the Constitution to ensure government by the people by, amongst others, holding the Executive accountable (section 42(3)). We must have MPs that will uphold the integrity and credibility of Parliament in the public’s eyes - ethical conduct and integrity should be the plumbline when political parties select MPs,” says Daniela Ellerbeck, an attorney and the FW de Klerk Foundation’s Constitutional Programmes Manager.

“The ANC’s appointment of Kodwa - someone who is facing criminal charges that, if convicted, would disqualify him from being an MP - caused great concern. It undermined the public’s trust in Parliament, with some labelling it a ‘house of crooks’. It is crucial that South Africans trust our democratic institutions. For this reason, Kodwa’s resignation is welcomed: It emphasises that parties must only appoint those that are examples of accountability and ethical conduct to be MPs”, elaborates Ellerbeck.

Issued by the FW de Klerk Foundation