Tuesday, July 28 2020

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Khusela Diko took leave of absence on Monday following corruption allegations involving her husband.

She stepped aside1 to allow a probe into allegations related to Covid-19 tenders for PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) in Gauteng.

Yesterday the office of the President said she:

“requested… to take leave of absence from all official roles in government, pending investigations on recent allegations involving her and her husband in tender irregularities in the Gauteng Department of Health.”

Her husband’s company is reported to have benefited from irregular procurement of business from the Gauteng provincial government.

According to News24:

“Sunday Independent reported that a R125-million personal protective equipment (PPE) contract was allegedly awarded to disputed AmaBhaca king, Madzikane II Thandisizwe Diko, who is her husband.”

Quite recently, a litany of allegations of corruption related to Covid-19 government contracts have emerged in public.

Talking Radio 702 reported that the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) is investigating at least 90 companies linked with tender irregularities in the Gauteng Health Department.