The reinstatement of corruption charges against former ANC MP Zizi Kodwa and businessman Jehan Mackay has sparked a wave of reaction from South Africans, even as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) moved to dismiss claims that the decision was leaked.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the NPA said there was “no truth” to allegations that Kodwa and Mackay’s lawyers were not informed before news of the reinstated charges surfaced. The authority maintained that due process was followed, with the accused’s legal representatives formally notified in a letter dated 29 January 2026 that the earlier decision to withdraw charges had been set aside.
NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said suggestions of a leak were “devoid of any truth”, while National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andy Mothibi assured the public that the integrity of the prosecutorial process remains intact.
But beyond the legal back-and-forth, the development has reignited public debate about accountability, political power and the pace of justice in South Africa.
On social media platform X, reactions ranged from satire to cautious optimism and outright scepticism.
One user mocked the growing list of politically connected figures facing legal trouble, writing: “ANC must just open a ‘Former Ministers Facing Charges Association.’ Zizi Kodwa can join Melusi Gigaba, Ace Magashule and the rest, they can meet every Friday, drink tea and discuss who’s appearing in court next week.”
Others welcomed the move as a step in the right direction. “The decision by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to seek the reinstatement of corruption charges against former ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa marks another important step in ensuring that allegations of corruption are properly tested in court,” another user posted.
However, not all reactions were supportive. Some questioned whether the law is applied equally, pointing to other high-profile figures who they believe have avoided accountability. One user wrote: “Cyril Ramaphosa and those close to him are treated with velvet gloves. A man who bought buffalos from Ramaphosa Phala Phala farm Hazim Mustafa entered South Africa with undeclared US dollars in cash. Glencore linked to Ramaphosa never being prosecuted. Hangwani Maumela linked to alleged Tembisa Hospital R2 billion scandal and alleged nephew of Ramaphisa is not arrested,” before referencing a series of controversies involving politically connected individuals and businesses.
Kodwa, widely known as “Zizi”, has long been a prominent figure within the ANC, having served in senior communications roles before becoming an MP. Mackay, meanwhile, is a businessman previously linked to financial dealings that have drawn scrutiny from investigators.
While the NPA has not detailed the full scope of the charges in its latest statement, the case is understood to relate to alleged corruption involving payments made to Kodwa.
The decision to revive the prosecution comes at a time when the NPA faces mounting pressure to demonstrate progress in tackling complex corruption cases, particularly those involving politically exposed persons.
As the matter heads back to court, it is likely to remain under close public scrutiny — not only for its legal outcome, but also for what it signals about the state’s willingness and ability to pursue accountability at the highest levels.
