EFF insists Diko must resign as Ramaphosa spokesperson
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has rejected the leave of absence taken by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Khusela Diko and insists that she should resign.
On Monday the Presidency announced Diko has taken a leave of absence and will temporarily relinquish her roles in government.
President's spokesperson Khusela Diko takes leave of absence
This comes amid allegations of tender irregularities at the Gauteng Department of Health. A report by the Sunday Independent linked MEC Bandile Masuku and his wife Loyiso Lugayeni-Masuku to a R125 million tender for protective gear. The report also fingers Diko and husband Thandisizwe Diko.
This comes amid reports that Diko's husband, Amabaca King Madzikazi II Thandisizwe, benefited from a R125 million Covid-19 tender from the Gauteng government.
Both Diko and her husband have denied benefitting from the tender, saying the contract was cancelled and no payment was ever received.
EFF spokesperson Vuyani Pambo has described the leave of absence by Diko as a "last-ditch attempt at saving her integrity”.
"A leave of absence is not enough, Khusela Diko must resign as the spokesperson in the Presidency of South Africa.
"It is the only way that the nation can be reassured that Ramaphosa’s regime is one that is not committed to corruption and the integrity of the office she currently represents can be protected.”
READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW:
Eff Statement on Khusela Diko’s Leave of Absence Amidst Covid-19 Corruption Allegations by Jacaranda FM News on Scribd