Former Muvhango actress, Phindile Gwala-Ngandu, was not sworn in as a Member of Parliament contrary to earlier reports. The confusion about Gwala being sworn in arose when she was spotted at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Good Hope Chamber in Cape Town, Western Cape sitting alongside some uMkhonto weSizwe representatives who were about to be sworn in.
Gwala's publicist Thanduxolo Jindela clarified the situation in a statement. Jindela said that Gwala who played the part of Noni on the SABC 2 soapie was accompanying her spiritual mother Bishop Nokwethemba Mtsweni. "We would like to issue a clarification regarding recent speculations and assumptions. Actress Phindile Gwala accompanied Bishop Nokwethemba Mtshweni, a member of the MK Party and a close friend and spiritual mother, to a swearing-in ceremony as a gesture of support. However, it has come to our attention that some individuals have misconstrued this as her swearing-in as a member of parliament," Jindela said in a statement. He added that Gwala remains grateful for the ongoing support and interest in her endeavors, and she looks forward to continuing her work in the entertainment industry," Jindela added.
Prominent people who were sworn in are iNkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza, MK spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela, former Land First founder Andile Mngxitama, former Coghta Minister Des Van Rooyen and former KZN Health MEC Dr Kwazi Mbanjwa. Former Western Cape Judge President Dr. John Hlophe led MK Party representative in Parliament as a party chief whip during their swearing-in ceremony. The MK Party had previously informed Parliament that they would not be available to take part in the group swearing-in ceremony along with other elected members. This decision was made as the party was contesting the results of the May 29 election. Meanwhile, despite facing bribery and corruption charges, former Minister Zizi Kodwa will also be sworn in as an MP.
Meanwhile, despite facing bribery and corruption charges, former Minister Zizi Kodwa, will also be sworn in as an MP. Kodwa resigned two weeks ago as a Sports Arts and Culture Minister shortly after being charged with allegedly receiving R1.7 million in kickbacks from a company that benefited from government tenders. Although he stepped down as a minister and as an ANC NEC member following his court appearance, Kodwa has decided to continue serving as an MP.
