ANC in Gauteng summons Masuku to explain tender fraud allegations
The African National Congress (ANC) in Gauteng has summoned Health MEC Bandile Masuku to explain allegations of fraud.
This comes after a report in the Sunday Independent linked Masuku and his wife Loyiso Lugayeni-Masuku to a R125 million tender for protective gear.
The report also fingers Presidency spokesperson Khusela Diko and husband Thandisizwe Diko.
Thandisizwe Diko reportedly scored the R125 million contract to supply the equipment to the Gauteng Health Department influenced by the couples’ close ties.
“The provincial secretary of the ANC (Jacob Khawe) is meeting with the Premier (David Makhura) and is meeting with MEC Masuku to find out from them as to what happened and what did they do when this thing came to their attention and how far are they in the process that they have undertaken,” says ANC provincial spokesperson, Bones Modise.
“In that discussion, should need be, then comrade Khusela and comrade Loyiso be called then the provincial secretary will then do so, call them to come and also have an opportunity to present their case,” Modise adds.
Masuku has since denied any wrongdoing.
“Now the has an opportunity to present that view to the provincial secretary.”
The damning allegations against the two couples come amid allegations of millions being siphoned from government coffers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has been tasked with investigating government officials implicated in defrauding Covid-19 funds, including the Diko and Masuku families.
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Masuku denies Covid-19 procurement allegations
A report in the Sunday Independent linked Masuku and his wife Loyiso Lugayeni-Masuku to a R125 million tender for protective gear. Masuku says he is not involved and cannot influence the decisions taken around procurement. "I formally requested a forensic audit into Covid-19 procurement and Premier David Makhura subsequently requested the Special Investigative Unit to undertake this investigation.