Gauteng Health MEC denies ties to controversial R125 million PPE tender

Gauteng Health MEC Bandile Masuku has come out guns blazing against weekend reports suggesting his personal relationships could have influenced the awarding of a multi-million tender for personal protective equipment (PPE).

According to the Sunday Independent, the husband of Presidency spokesperson Khusela Diko, Amabhaca King, Madzikane II Thandisizwe Diko, was awarded contracts worth R125 million by the Gauteng Department of Health.

The publication has further reported on Sunday, 26 July 2020, that the couple are friends with Health MEC Dr Bandile Masuku’s wife Loyiso Lugayeni-Masuku – and that the Masuku’s had influenced the awarding of the contract was part of a fundraising strategy ahead of the Johannesburg ANC regional conference.

Lugayeni-Masuku, currently the ANC deputy secretaty, is reportedly expected to contest for the position of chairperson.

“I see some people say there’s also an element of money laundering through PPEs, especially with the ANC GP conference coming up. Allegations are Loyiso Lugayeni- Masuku wants to be the next Chair and Mayor of Johannesburg, and she’s friends with Khusela. So they saw an opportunity to raise money to buy votes for the upcoming conference through these dodgy deals. MEC for Health is Loyiso’s husband, and they all are friends with the Dikos”, said someone the publication only named as an ‘ANC activist’.

‘Allegations are unfounded’

In lengthy statement, the MEC rubbished the reports as false and without any foundation.

“As a member of the Executive Council, I am not involved in nor do I influence the Department’s procurement processes. The process of awarding contracts within the department rests entirely with the Supply Chain Management function in Finance”, Masuku said.

“Throughout my career, I have always acted with utmost integrity and conviction. I strongly refute any suggestion that COVID-19 procurement is being used as a means to raise funds ahead of ANC conferences”, he further said.

Masuku said he remains committed to ensuring that their comprehensive health response is focused on saving lives and vowed to do all in his power to ensure that those found to have engaged in dirty dealings in relation to COVID-19 related contracts, would be brought to book.

The latest allegations come after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a declaration allowing the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to look into corruption allegations arising from the procurement of PPEs.