FORMER Gauteng MEC for Health Dr Bandile Masuku and presidential spokesperson Khusela Diko have successfully appealed their suspensions, according to the findings of the ANC’s national disciplinary committee (NDC).
Masuku and Diko, who were involved in the COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) corruption saga, can resume their duties as Gauteng’s PEC members.
Masuku has welcomed the ANC’s NDC ruling clearing him and Khusela Diko of any wrongdoing.
The ANC’s NDC made damning findings against the Gauteng provincial executive committee (PEC) and provincial integrity committee (PIC) in its investigation of Masuku and Diko.
“There is no causal connection between the conduct of both comrades Bandile Masuku and Khusela Diko the value system and ethical framework of the ANC to support the conclusion that the two comrades acted in an unethical manner and consequently were guilty of contravening Rule 25.17.4 of the ANC Constitution,” the NDC said in a statement.
“As a general rule, the sanctions imposed … would fall away and both comrades would be eligible to resume their positions as members of the Gauteng PEC.”
The NDC added: “In the view of the NDC, the Gauteng PEC and the PIC have acted outside the policy and the ethical framework of the ANC and placed an unreasonable burden on Cde Khusela and then proceeded to make a value judgement on her character. Moreover, having regard to the party or state distinction, it is not clear to the NDC on what basis was Cade Khusela obliged to disclose her husband’s business interests to the Gauteng PEC or even to the ANC for that matter.”
Diko’s lawyers have welcomed the NDC findings, saying in a statement issued on Saturday: “Our client is of the view that this process has brought into sharp focus the stubborn persistence of patriarchy and arbitrariness in our society, with female comrades in particular expected to account be sanctioned for the business interests of their partners and spouses.”
“Our client is relieved that this matter is now finalised and that she has been vindicated. This closes a chapter in what has been a particularly difficult year for our client – one in which she and her family suffered immense reputational harm, and in which she also lost her beloved husband.”
Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa said in Limpopo this weekend that although the ANC’s NDC has cleared Diko from wrongdoing, she remains suspended from her position as Presidential spokesperson.
Speaking after handing over title deeds to 30 black farmers at Tafelkop in Groblersdal in Limpopo, Ramaphosa said Tyrone Seale would continue to act as presidential spokesperson as the Presidency initiated an internal disciplinary process against Diko.
“The Disciplinary Committee has ruled in her favour so that matter is obviously being handled at the Gauteng provincial level and that too will run its full course, so let’s allow that to happen. Well, all those processes have to be allowed to happen. So, she’s still on suspension. So, let’s allow all that to be properly handled.”
The late Bhaca royal King Madzikane II Thandisizwe Diko was thrust onto the spotlight after it emerged that Royal Bhaca project, a company he owned, received a R125 million personal protective equipment tender from the Gauteng health department.
It was also revealed that Khusela was friends with Masuku, who was the Health MEC in Gauteng.
They were later suspended from the Gauteng PEC and Khusela also took a leave of absence as President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson.
Kind Madzikane II Thandisizwe Diko died at an East London hospital in February after a short illness.
- Inside Politics
