EFF STATEMENT ON KHUSELA DIKO’S LEAVE OF ABSENCE AMIDST COVID-19

CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS

Tuesday, 28 July 2020

The Economic Freedom Fighters notes the leave of absence taken by the Spokesperson
of President Cyril Ramaphosa and Gauteng PEC member, Khusela Diko from all of her
responsibilities in government. This comes after damning allegations of COVID-19 tender
corruption, which involve her husband Madzikane Thandisizwe Diko and his company
Royal Bhaca Projects.

Reports have revealed that the Gauteng Health Department awarded Personal Protective
Equipment’s (PPE’S) contracts that amount to R125 million to Diko to combat the spread
of COVID-19 in March 2020. The contracts, which amounted to R47 million and R78
million respectively were given to Diko to provide biohazard health care waste, biohazard
health disposable bags, surgical masks and sanitisers.

The conflict of interest, which arises as a result of Khusela Diko being a member of the
Gauteng PEC and occupying an influential position in the governance of the country
undoubtedly, impacted the awarding of the tender to her husband.

Diko’s company is further said to have inflated the cost of the PPE’s it was providing to the
Department, to amounts that were significantly above the regulated prices for PPE’s. This
reveals that this is a parasitic family that has the capacity to manipulate government
departments for personal benefit.

P1
 Khusela Diko’s leave of absence is a last-ditch attempt at saving her integrity and the
integrity of a Presidency that is known to cover up corruption when it involves those it
regards as part of their faction. Diko is a spokesperson who learnt how to manipulate her
way to accessing money through her government and political party position, from the very
President she speaks for.

A leave of absence is not enough, Khusela Diko must resign as the Spokesperson in the
Presidency of South Africa. It is the only way that the nation can be reassured that
Ramaphosa’s regime is one that is not committed to corruption and the integrity of the
office she currently represents can be protected.

P2