Makhura fires Bandile Masuku as Health MEC
Gauteng Premier, David Makhura has removed Bandile Masuku as the MEC for Health in the province.
Masuku went on special leave in July following allegations of irregularities in the province’s personal protective equipment (PPE) procurement processes.
Makhura made the announcement during a press briefing on Friday at Chris Baragwanath Hospital.
Makhura said an investigation by the special investigating unit (SIU) found that he failed to execute his functions in compliance with the Constitution and the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
“Based on the SIU’s findings and recommendation thereof, the course of administrative action I’m taking is to discharge Dr Bandile Masuku from his responsibilities as the MEC for Gauteng Health,” Makhura said.
“Taking into account that there is a part of the investigation that is still outstanding, I have further decided that I will only appoint the new MEC for health once the SIU has reached finality on its investigation into allegations of corruption and collusion,” he said.
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The Masukus have been implicated in the Gauteng multi-million-rand PPE tender controversy by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU). O' Sullivan, who was appointed by Darryl Furman & Associates Attorneys, a company appointed by Masuku to carry out independent investigation, says Masuku is not guilty of any wrongdoing.
Makhura added that should Masuku be cleared, he will be reappointed as MEC.
“So [Jacob] Mamabolo will remain as acting Health MEC. Should the MEC be cleared I will gladly re-appoint him in his former position".
The removal of Masuku comes after a private investigating report by Paul O’Sullivan cleared him of any wrongdoing.
Masuku’s wife, Loyiso, who is also a City of Johannesburg Mayoral Committee (MMC) member, was also implicated in alleged corruption along with Madzikane II Thandisizwe Diko, the husband of ANC provincial executive committee member and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Khusela Diko.
