President’s spokesperson Khusela Diko takes leave of absence
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Khusela Diko has taken a leave of absence and will temporarily relinquish her roles in government, the Presidency has confirmed.
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.
Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu confirmed the development on Monday evening.
“Khusela Diko, the spokesperson of the president, has requested leave of absence from office and that leave of absence has been granted by the president and the minister in the presidency,” Mthembu says.
“This request for leave of absences comes in the wake of recent allegations that have come directed at both Mrs Diko and her husband.”
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has been tasked with investigating the matter.
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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.