EFF statement on Khusela Diko’s leave of absence amidst Covid-19 corruption allegations
28 July 2020
The Economic Freedom Fighters notes the leave of absence taken by the Spokesperson of President Cyril Ramaphosa and Gauteng PEC member, Khusela Diko from all of her responsibilities in government. This comes after damning allegations of COVID-19 tender corruption, which involve her husband Madzikane Thandisizwe Diko and his company Royal Bhaca Projects.
Reports have revealed that the Gauteng Health Department awarded Personal Protective Equipment's (PPE'S) contracts that amount to R125 million to Diko to combat the spread of COVID-19 in March 2020. The contracts, which amounted to R47 million and R78 million respectively were given to Diko to provide biohazard health care waste, biohazard health disposable bags, surgical masks and sanitisers.
The conflict of interest, which arises as a result of Khusela Diko being a member of the Gauteng PEC and occupying an influential position in the governance of the country undoubtedly, impacted the awarding of the tender to her husband.
Diko's company is further said to have inflated the cost of the PPE's it was providing to the Department, to amounts that were significantly above the regulated prices for PPE's. This reveals that this is a parasitic family that has the capacity to manipulate government departments for personal benefit.