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Prime Minister David Makhura announced on Friday morning that Gauteng Health MEC Bandile Masuku had been fired.
FILE: Former Bandile Masuku of the MEC of Gauteng Health. Image: Kayleen Morgan / EWN
JOHANNESBURG – Former Gauteng Health MEC Bandile Masuku said he would go to court to have the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) quash the findings against him.
This comes after Prime Minister David Makhura announced on Friday morning that Masuku had been fired.
The SIU found that Masuku failed to perform his duties in accordance with the Constitution and the Public Finance Management Act following the PPE COVID-19 fraud.
Masuku said the SIU’s preliminary findings were incorrect and not based on facts when it came to its role as executive authority.
He also accused the SIU of ignoring sworn statements and failing to mention the facts provided.
Makhura previously said that the investigation had not yet concluded …
“With respect to the substantive question of public interest as to whether the MEC was involved in acts of corruption or collusion, the SIU has informed me that this investigation is ongoing.”
Masuku, a doctor, was appointed his first senior position in public office last year.
Eyewitness news understands that Makhura gave Masuku the option to retire with his dignity intact by resigning, but the latter rejected the option, saying that it would be considered an admission of guilt.
Among the investigated suppliers that won bids to provide the department with personal protective equipment is a company owned by the husband of presidential spokesperson Khusela Diko. He was awarded a contract worth more than 100 million rand, which was later reportedly canceled.
The Masukus and the Dikos are close friends of the family.
Additional reporting by Theto Mahlakoana.
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