Money and fancy accommodation were not to buy my influence – Kodwa

WHEN former ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa was cash-strapped, he borrowed R1 million from his businessman friend Jehan Mackay, who lent it to him with no strings attached and with an indefinite time limit on when he needed to pay it back.

Kodwa said he was going through financial difficulties, and because he did not hold a stable job as ANC spokesperson and even now as State Security deputy minister, Mackay told him he could pay back the money whenever he was able to.

However, Kodwa raised some eyebrows when he admitted to buying an R890 000 Jeep with Mackay’s loan.

“That’s a wisdom of debate,” Kodwa said when he was asked why he needed to purchase such an expensive vehicle when he was experiencing financial difficulties.

Kodwa appeared before the Zondo Commission in a virtual hearing, where he conceded to receiving money from Mackay knowing that Mackay was an executive at technology services company EOH that tendered for and had been awarded a number of government contracts.

“Such payments were indeed financial help from a friend, and yes, they sometimes involved figures that seem high. However, I assure you that it was due to my financial difficulties and sometimes the need for accommodation, as I travelled. None of the payments, catering or accommodation were offered to me to facilitate any unlawful act,” Kodwa said.

The commission had previously heard how Kodwa received more than R2m in payments and luxury accommodation linked to EOH.

The managing director of ENS Forensics, Steven Powell, told the commission that he had conducted a forensic investigation into EOH and, in the process, found payments made to the ANC and individuals linked to the party.

Powell said it seemed that between 2015 and 2016, when the payments were made to Kodwa, three government contracts were issued.

But Kodwa said the payment and accommodation had nothing to do with government contracts.

He said there was no relationship between him and EOH. “I had a relationship with Mr Mackay, and he confirmed this was his personal hospitality to me,” Kodwa said.