By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The ANC in Gauteng has reportedly told suspended presidency spokesperson Khusela Diko to step down from her position as a member of the party’s provincial executive committee (PEC).
The provincial disciplinary committee (PDC) found Diko guilty of bringing the ANC into disrepute and recommended that she extends her special leave from the presidency.
Diko is also facing another disciplinary proceeding instituted by her employer in the office of the president.
She was charged with failing to disclose her financial interests and She is still, however, drawing a salary, estimated to be R1.3 million a year.
Diko and former Gauteng Health MEC Dr Bandile Masuku were embroiled in a Covid-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) scandal last year after the provincial health department awarded a multimillion-rand tender to Royal Bhaca, a company owned by Diko’s late husband, Thandisizwe Diko.
Premier David Makhura sacked Masuku late last year following a report by the Special Investigating Unit into Covid-19 personal protective equipment corruption at his department.
Meanwhile ANC spokesperson Bones Modise said that despite Masuku confirming he was asked to step aside, the party was yet to deal with the report.
The PEC is still to receive the formal report from the [DC] but there is nothing we are going to be able to do with it. We can’t amend it, we can’t reject it, we can’t even say we accept it with conditions.,” said Modise.
“It’s a directive to all of us. So if comrade Bandile says he is going to appeal, it is within his organisational discipline to do so, there is nothing wrong with him appealing.”
He said there was not a set date for the PEC to receive the report of the DC but it was expected that there would be one before the end of the month.
The pair have also been ordered to cooperate with the SIU, get on a self-training programme and submit a paper to the provincial secretary Jacob Khawe on “several topics” within six months.
Masuku has already indicated he will appeal the provincial disciplinary committee’s ruling. It was unclear whether Diko would do the same.