Hlokomelo Mabogale |
After corruption in the providing of Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) during the coronavirus pandemic in the country was exposed, the Gauteng premier David Makhura on Friday fired health MEC Dr Bandile Masuku for tender irregularities.
Makhura made this announcement at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. He was accompanied by the acting health MEC Jacob Mamabolo.
“I have decided as the premier to discharge Dr Bandile Masuku from duty as the MEC responsible for Health of the province”, said Makhura, adding that Mamabolo will continue to act in the health portfolio until the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) completes its investigation.
When Special Investigating Unit (SIU) completes its work and clears Masuku, Makhura said “I would gladly reappoint him”.
For now, the SIU has found that Masuku has failed to execute his function in compliance with the constitution and public financial act. Based on this, they recommend the premier should decide on the consequences.
The people who got richer due to the tender of PPE, Makhura said “We want the money that we lost to PPE corruption.”
Presidency’s spokesperson Khusela Diko, who is now on leave, and her husband Thandisizwe Diko’s company Royal Bhaca Projects was awarded R125m in tenders for PPE by provincial health department.
