STATEMENT BY GAUTENG PREMIER DAVID MAKHURA ON THE LATEST REPORT OF THE SIU PERTAINING TO HEALTH MEC, DR BANDILE MASUKU
Last week Friday, 2 October 2020, I received an updated report from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) pertaining to the role of the MEC for Health, Dr. Bandile Masuku, whom I had placed on special leave since 30 July 2020.
The finding of the SIU is that Health MEC, Dr. Bandile Masuku, has failed to execute his functions in compliance with the Constitution and the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). Based on this finding, the SIU has recommended that the Premier should take administrative action against MEC Masuku for the purpose of determining his suitability to hold office as the responsible MEC for Health.
With regard to the substantive public interest matter of whether the MEC was involved in any acts of corruption and or collusion regarding the procurement of PPE, the SIU reported that their investigation is still ongoing. It is a matter of public interest and a grave concern for clean governance that the investigation into this matter is concluded and that the facts are established as soon as possible.
Based on the SIU's report, I have decided to discharge Dr. Bandile Masuku from his responsibilities as the Gauteng MEC for Health.
I have taken cognisance of the contribution that MEC Masuku has made in improving the Department of Health since his appointment and appreciate the leadership he provided during Gauteng's response to COVID-19 pandemic.