Makhura: 102 companies being probed for PPE procurement
Gauteng Premier David Makhura says 102 companies are being investigated by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) following claims of rampant corruption in the procurement of protective gear.
Makhura briefed media on Thursday on the provincial interventions when dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
Health MEC Bandile Masuku is among officials being accused of misconduct.
Masuku is linked to the awarding of a R125 million tender for protective gear.
The two tenders, amounting to a R125 million contract, were awarded to Royal Bhaca, a company owned by presidential spokesperson, Khusela Diko's husband, King Madzikane II.
The Dikos maintain the contract was subsequently cancelled.
Makhura would not be drawn to confirming investigations into Royal Bhaca Projects.
“If you ask me which ones, I can’t say to you now but the full number of companies that are being looked at by the SIU is 102 companies, in other words it’s all and we are not suggesting that all 102 are not proper companies, we are not suggesting that all the 102 were appointed inappropriately, we are not suggesting that all the 102 did not deliver proper PPE but they must all be looked at.
“I want to refuse to talk about a specific company. I am the premier, I am not a gossiper.”
Makhura added the investigations would stretch beyond protective gear.
“Every single cent that is allocated for Covid-19 must be safeguarded,” Makhura said.
“There will also be investigations of all Covid-19 expenditure to just satisfy ourselves, whether infrastructure or food.”
At least R1 billion in Covid-19 payments have been frozen pending the investigations.
“They identified that there are companies that have overpriced, they identified that there are companies that are not in the central database, there was also some issues about the quality of PPE that was red flagged by Gauteng audit services.”
Health MEC Masuku has been placed on leave of absence pending investigations.
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Masuku's leave of absence takes effect immediately and will remain in place for the next 4 weeks. He is accused of having a hand in a dodgy deal in the procurement of protective gear in the province. Last week the Sunday Independent published a report that linked Masuku and his wife Loyiso Lugayeni-Masuku to a R125 million tender for protective gear.