Khusela Diko reinstated but NOT returning as Presidency spokesperson

Khusela Diko will not be returning to the Presidency as the official spokesperson, but will be moved to another post within the public service.

This was confirmed the Presidency on Tuesday evening, 31 August 2021, more than a year after Diko was forced to step away from office in the wake of a PPE corruption scandal involving her now late husband Thandisizwe Diko.

“The Presidency has completed a disciplinary process against Presidency Spokesperson Ms Khusela Diko for her failure to disclose her interests in certain companies as required by public service regulations on the disclosure of financial interests,” spokesperson Tyrone Seale said.

Here’s a recap: Diko took a leave of absence in July 2020, pending the SIU’s investigation into a R125 million contract awarded to her now late husband’s company Royal Bhaca Projects. The Gauteng Health Department issued the tender in March 2020, when the country was officially placed under lockdown. While Diko and her husband have admitted to receiving the contract, they maintain no money was received from the tender.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) had recommended that action be taken against her for failing to disclose certain financial interests, as required by public service regulations.

Khusela Diko receives written warning

The presidency says Diko completed a disciplinary process and has also received a written warning.

“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,” it added.

Diko says she welcomes the decision by the Presidency, saying it affirms what she has been saying all along – that she has not been dishonest or corrupt.

“I did not do any business with the state. I have accordingly done everything I can to completely remove my name wherever it appears on the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission as I have had no business interests or dealings since I joined government in March 2018,” said Diko.