Members of Parliament (MPs) on Wednesday requested answers from President Cyril Ramaphosa about COVID-19 related corruption and looting.
The members also wanted clarifications on the role of his spokesperson – Khusela Diko, who has since taken a leave of absence.
This followed reports that a company linked to Diko’s husband had scored a personal protective equipment (PPE) tender valued at R125 million, raising concerns about a conflict of interest.
The National Assembly considered the budget of the Presidency, but MPs placed their full attention on tender corruption allegations.
John Steenhuisen, Democratic Alliance (DA) interim leader said that COVID-19 corruption was quite evident.
Steenhuisen said:
“This whilst government holds its boot to the neck of the economy and the education system in our country while daily evidence mounts of ANC COVID-19 corruption, including under his very nose in the Presidency.”
Kenneth Meshoe, African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) leader was more direct and blunt about allegations involving the president’s spokesperson.
Meshoe said:
“My question is, why has the president not pronounced himself publicly on serious allegations that his spokesperson Khusela Diko and Gauteng Health MEC Dr Bandile Masuku have acted improperly and corruptly in the awarding of a PPE contract?”
Responding on behalf of the Presidency, deputy Minister Thembi Siweya said that Ramaphosa had always been clear on COVID-19 corruptions and had gone as far as proclaiming a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigation.
