Breaking: Presidential spokesperson Khusela Diko takes leave of absence

Spokesperson to President Cyril Ramaphosa, Khusela Diko, has taken a leave of absence and will temporarily relinquish her roles in government. 

This comes after Diko was questioned regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) tenders allegedly awarded to her husband. Diko has, therefore, been accused of profiting from COVID-19 relief funds. 

This also comes days after the president himself vowed to root out corruption in South Africa at all costs. 

KHUSELA DIKO TAKES LEAVE OF ABSENCE PENDING INVESTIGATION

According to an evening Facebook post, Khusela Diko has taken a leave of absence pending the outcome of investigations into the awarding of two subsequently cancelled contracts for the supply of personal protective equipment to Royal Bhaca Projects, a company in which her husband is a director.

The Presidency, on Monday, confirmed that Diko formally made the request for a leave of absence to the Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu.

“I wish to thank the Presidency for timeously acceding to my request. It is of the utmost importance that the work of the Presidency and government as a whole is not undermined or adversely impacted by these allegations, especially at this time when our nation’s focus is on battling the COVID-19 pandemic” said Diko.

The Presidency has appointed Mr Tyrone Seale to act in the position of Spokesperson to the President during this time.

MALEMA CALLS FOR HER RESIGNATION 

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, also on Monday following the news, called for Khusela Diko’s removal. 

“They are taking advantage of our people, and Diko is likely part of the company. She may have even filled out the paperwork. The president must do an honourable and ask her to step aside, to preserve the dignity of the office. Cyril, however, won’t do this – he is the man in charge of releasing the reports,” said Malema. 

“Ramaphosa must lead by example and show that these people can fall. There are names in sealed documents, held by the president, which reveal who exactly has been stealing from the R500 billion,” he added. 

RAMAPHOSA VOWS TO TACKLE CORRUPTION

Ramaphosa, following his latest national address, said a Special Investigations Unit (SIU) would immediately take action against corrupt individuals whereby COVID-19 funds are being misused. This could possibly include Khusela Diko following further investigation.

“In this challenging time, any form of corruption represents a critical setback in our fight against the coronavirus. Any and all forms of mismanagement and misuse of resources must be rooted out,” said Ramaphosa

Ramaphosa said the SIU would report any findings to the National Prosecuting Agency (NPA). This will also include the president receiving progress reports every six weeks. 

The unit will make use of law enforcement agencies such as the Financial Intelligence Centre, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, the NPA, the Hawks, Crime Intelligence and the SAPS Detective Service, the South African Revenue Service, the Special Investigating Unit and the State Security Agency.