THE DA has called on the Presidency to release the outcomes of the disciplinary process it instituted against Khusela Diko following reports that she has been reinstated as the President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson.
The Presidency is yet to confirm reports that Diko has been reinstated to her position following a lengthy leave of absence, and disciplinary hearings against her.
DA’s shadow minister in the presidency Solly Malatsi said on Tuesday that if it was true that Diko has been reinstated it will be an indictment on President Cyril Ramaphosa and his government.
“The Presidency confirmed in January that it had instituted disciplinary proceedings against Diko, following a recommendation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), after she had failed to disclose her financial interests in light of the Royal Bhaca Covid corruption scandal,” said Malatsi in a statement.
“It sends a clear message that the President is soft on those close to him who are implicated in serious allegations of impropriety.”
On Tuesday, News24 reported that Diko confirmed that she had been reinstated as the President’s spokesperson on a warning.
In the same article, the Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele, indicated that he had not yet been informed about the outcomes of the disciplinary proceedings against Diko.
“The Minister’s comments raise questions around the veracity of Diko’s claims as well as transparency around the disciplinary process – if it even took place or whether it had been concluded,” said Malatsi.
“It is, therefore, in the public interest, considering the serious allegations of corruption in relation to public funds that the outcomes of the disciplinary proceedings are made public.”
Diko took a leave of absence after allegations emerged that she was linked to a R125 million tender for COVID-19 protective gear.
Acting presidential spokesperson Tyrone Seale said in a statement that the Presidency has completed a disciplinary process against Diko for her failure to disclose her interests in certain companies as required by public service regulations on the disclosure of financial interests.
“Following the disciplinary process, Ms Diko has been served with a written warning for this offence. The action taken by the Presidency management was in compliance with a recommendation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) that Ms Diko be disciplined for her failure to disclose certain interests. This recommendation arose from an SIU investigation into government’s procurement of COVID-19 personal protective equipment,” said Seale.
“Ms Diko, who is currently on maternity leave, will not return to the position of Spokesperson to the President but to a different position in the public service.”
- Inside Politics
