ANC Gauteng: ‘We are losing trust amongst the people’

In the wake of a fresh ‘tender bonanza’ scandal, the ANC in Gauteng has acknowledged its losing trust from its supporters on the ground over its ability, or lack thereof, to deal with corruption allegations which have tainted the party’s image in recent years.

The party’s Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) has announced that it subjecting members Khusela Diko and Bandile Masuku to its integrity committee over a R125 million personal protective equipment (PPE) tender scandal.

Diko and Masuku, who serve as Presidency spokesperson and Gauteng Health MEC respectively, have denied any wrongdoing. Diko has in the meantime taken a leave of absence pending an investigation into the allegations.

“The leaders of the ANC at all times must know that whatever they do does implicate the character and the integrity of the party and that the individual actions have to be understood against the noble principle of organisational renewal”, said the ANC in Gauteng’s Secretary Jacob Khawe.

He further stressed that in looking into the claims, they were not disregarding the rule of law and that it was not about finding any of their members guilty and that they believe there should be a process that addresses the issues raised publicly.

‘Companies did not apply for contracts’

“The PEC received the report of government and we noted that in the report, there are a lot of things that require further investigation”, Khawe said.

Khawe said one of those was the fact that companies did not apply for tenders or contracts as per normal.

“It is like an official in the department would call companies who would say they can provide, have a discussion with these companies and award a letter to a company”, he said.

While this is outside of normal processes, Khawe said they partly understood given the urgency which comes with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It also demonstrates that the government was open to manipulation”, he added.

Masuku is accused of influencing the awarding of contract by the Department of Health to Diko’s husband.

In a statement, Masuku said that action must be taken if there’s evidence of corruption.

“The SIU investigation commenced in May 2020 and the premier’s office will announce the findings as soon as they become available. As the originator of the process, I wholly support the SIU’s investigation. If evidence of corruption is found at the Gauteng Department of Health, action will be taken, and offenders prosecuted,” said Masuku.