Gauteng ANC asks Masuku, wife to ‘step aside’ amid corruption probe

They join President Cyril Ramaphosa's spokesperson Khusela Diko's leave of absence over the R125 million personal protective equipment tender awarded to her husband King Madzikane II Diko's Royal Bacha projects.

Diko took leave from all her government roles on Monday.

The Dikos, who have close ties to the Masuku couple, claim the tenders were later cancelled at their request.

ANC provincial secretary Jacob Khawe said during a press conference that the provincial executive committee (PEC) also decided that all three would be investigated by the provincial integrity committee (PIC).

Khawe briefed the media on the outcomes of the PEC's special meeting on Thursday morning.

Khawe said the PIC has 2 to 4 weeks to complete its report.

"It is against this background that PEC has resolved that both comrade Bandile and comrade Khusela be subjected to the PIC.

"The PEC has also resolved that integrity committee has to finish its work between 2 to 4 weeks.

“It is important to have one approach in dealing with one case and that both comrade Loyiso and comrade Bandile be on temporary leave of absence for a duration of 2-4 weeks while the processes of SIU (Special Investigating Unit) together with the PIC is taking place.”

Khawe said Loyiso Masuku will also be subjected to the integrity commission probe.

He said while nobody has been found guilty, the ANC is aware that it needs to respond to the concerns raised by the public.

"We as the ANC, whether we like it or not, the objective reality is that we are losing trust among our people on our ability, capability and commitment to deal with corruption.”

The PEC also requested that Premier David Makhura direct the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) to probe allegations of wrongdoing during the Covid-19 period on an urgent basis.