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The suspended spokesperson for President Cyril Ramaphosa, Khusela Diko. (Photo: Facebook / Protect Diko)
Presidential spokeswoman Khusela Diko will face an investigation, this time into her financial statement. It’s another blow for Diko, who, through her husband’s company, had been implicated in irregularities in the 2020 PPE tender.
On Sunday, January 10, the Presidency announced that Khusela Diko, spokesperson for President Cyril Ramaphosa, will face an internal disciplinary process following concerns from the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) over the lack of financial disclosures.
In June 2020, Diko took a special leave after the Independent Sunday reported that her husband, the King of amaBhaca Thandisizwe Diko, had applied for tenders through his company Royal Bhaca Projects. These contracts were related to the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the Gauteng Health Department.
The rescue of a king in tenders for the husband of the presidential spokesman
The contracts awarded to Royal Bhaca, worth R 125 million, have since been canceled, with no money paid to the company, and are the subject of an investigation by the SIU. Diko said she was considering taking legal action against Independent Sunday, but nothing has come of this yet.
Diko, who is also a member of the Gauteng ANC provincial executive, was summoned to appear before that body to explain the saga, along with her close friends, Gauteng Health MEC Dr Bandile Masuku and his wife, Loyiso Lugayeni-Masuku.
Masuku was fired as a Health MEC in October for, according to Gauteng Prime Minister David Makhura, failing in his executive duties. However, the prime minister told reporters during a briefing that if Masuku was cleared by the ongoing investigations, “I will gladly reappoint him as MEC of health.”
Gauteng Health MEC Bandile Masuku ChoPPEd – for now
On Sunday, after several media inquiries, the Presidency provided an update on Diko’s case.
“The SIU has reported that while the corruption component of the investigation is ongoing, the SIU has thus far not obtained any evidence pointing to Ms. Diko’s involvement in the award of two contracts by the Gauteng Health Department. to Royal Bhaca or identified irregularities with respect to such awards, ”the Presidency said in a statement.
“During its investigation, the SIU, however, identified a concern regarding Ms. Diko’s duty to disclose all of her financial interests,” the Presidency said. The concern led the Presidency to initiate an internal disciplinary process against him.
“The relevant processes prescribed in the Public Service Regulations and related documents will be activated and managed by the Acting Director General of the Presidency, including the consideration of whether Ms. Diko remains on special leave or is formally suspended pending disciplinary process. ”Said the Presidency.
Tyrone Seale will continue as Ramaphosa’s Acting Spokesperson until further notice. DM
