By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former Gauteng health MEC Bandile Masuku has failed in his bid to challenge the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) report that was used to discharge him of his duties.
He wanted the report set aside, while maintaining his innocence of any wrongdoing in the controversial personal protective equipment scandal.
He has all along denied being dishonest or partaking in illegal or corrupt activities.
On Monday the Pretoria high court dismissed Masuku’s application with costs, the SIU announced.
Masuku rejected the reported which found he had failed to provide oversight and to uphold the Constitution and regulations in the Public Finance Management Act.
The SIU was investigating Covid-19 tender irregularities, which included the procurement of personal protective equipment at the department of health in the early days of the pandemic.
Masuku said the SIU report made incorrect and non-factual findings of his role as the executive authority.
He claimed that the SIU report ignored all other affidavits and focused on only one. It also made no reference to the information presented by him and his office.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura dismissed Masuku late last year.
Makhura told reporters that the SIU process was incomplete but he had decided to take the action against Masuku in the best interests of clean governance.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed a Pretoria High Court dismissal of Masuku’s application challenging the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) investigation outcome report.
Welcoming the Judgment, the SIU Head, Adv. Andy Mothibi, said: “This judgment settles the question relating to the role of Executive Authorities including Accounting Officers, Accounting Authorities in their responsibilities and accountability relating to the State Institutions they are accountable for”.
He added that state officials should also read the judgment “to ensure that they understand it clearly”.
“As SIU we will at all times during the investigations relating to allegations against State Institutions ensure that, based on evidence, accountability is determined at all levels from officials, senior management, Accounting Officers, Accounting Authorities and Executive Authorities and that appropriate Consequence Management should be implemented, “he said.
Meanwhile, Khusela Diko has until 25 April to answer questions about her late husband’s alleged involvement in the matter.