Hlophe, Kodwa among those sworn in as new MPs

The Jacob Zuma-led party boycotted the first sitting in protest against what it claims to be vote rigging during the recent general elections.

High-profile MK members who will be sworn in include former Western Cape judge president John Hlophe and Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla.

Hlophe became the first judge in South Africa’s democratic history to be impeached earlier this year when he was found guilty of gross misconduct. 

He was removed from the bench after a judicial tribunal found that in 2008, Hlophe attempted to sway two Constitutional Court Justices into siding with former president Jacob Zuma in his arms deal corruption case.

In a stunning comeback, Hlophe will now sit alongside the very people who voted to impeach him.

Speaking at an African Legal Professional Association event last weekend, Hlophe said his task was to unite black people in Parliament. 

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Meanwhile the ANC has confirmed that fraud-accused former sports, arts and culture minister Zizi Kodwa will also be sworn in as a Member of Parliament. 

This is despite calls for him to relinquish his role as an MP to focus on his bribery and corruption trial. 

Kodwa is accused of influencing the awarding of contracts during his time as ANC spokesperson, with the State claiming he received R1.7 million in kickbacks from a supplier to the City of Johannesburg, 

Kodwa announced his immediate resignation from his role as minister after the first court appearance, where he was granted R30,000 bail.

Kodwa’s also stepped aside as a member of the National Working Committee and National Executive Committee of the ANC.

He has denied any wrongdoing and has vowed to prove his innocence in court.