Covid-19: Makhura discharges Health MEC Bandile Masuku of his duties

Gauteng Premier David Makhura said that he has fired Health MEC Bandile Masuku.

During a press briefing on 9 October, Makhura said that he has decided to discharge Masuku of his duties. On 2 October, Makhura had said that he received the report from the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) pertaining to Masuku’s involvement in PPE procurement. Masuku was placed on special leave on 30 July pending the outcome of the report. 

Makhura said that the SIU report found that Masuku had failed to execute his functions in compliance with the constitution and Public Finance Management Act. “Based on this finding, they recommended that the Premier of the province take administrative action against the MEC,” said Makhura.

“I have taken into cognisance the contribution MEC Masuku played in improving the Department of Health since his appointment last year and the leadership he provided during Covid-19. But there are issues before me based on the SIU report that I must act on.”

Makhura said that several officials within the Gauteng Department of Health have been suspended or resigned. He said that some have been suspended because of actions which are clearly wrong while others have been suspended for not taking necessary action. “PPE corruption impacts on the morale of health workers who have been doing great work on the ground, who have been taking tremendous risks,” said Makhura.

 “Those who saw PPE and Covid-19 as an opportunity to enrich themselves have done a great disservice.

“We want the money back that was lost to PPE corruption… where there is corruption there must be firm action.”

Makhura said that he has been receiving reports from the SIU on a weekly basis.

He said that each report identifies necessary action that needs to be taken. He said that the SIU’s investigation is ongoing.

Makhura added that the vacancy for the MEC of Health won’t be filled until the final report is received. Makhura said that he is aware of a report commissioned by Masuku, however, he has chosen to focus on the report which they have commissioned. 

For the time being, MEC of Transport Jacob Mamabola will continue to act as the Health MEC. He said that should Masuku be cleared in the final SIU report, Makhura will gladly reappoint his as the MEC for Health.

Following the briefing, Masuku released a statement saying that he did not act in a dishonest, illegal or corrupt manner to benefit himself or his family and friends. He said, “The SIU report makes incorrect and non-factual findings about my role as Executive Authority. It is unclear whether the report is final, and to this end, I have written to the Premier to explain to him that in law, I will be exercising my rights to review the findings in a court of law to set them aside.”

He said that he feels strongly that the SIU report has ignored affidavits, makes no reference to the information provided by Masuku or his department and makes no connection between evidence and findings. Masuku said that he has already instructed his lawyer to apply to set aside the findings of the SIU report.

Masuku’s full statement can be found below:

STATEMENT REGARDING COVID-19 PPE PROCUREMENT pic.twitter.com/x2YABpr2I0

— Dr Bandile Masuku (@bandilemasuku) October 9, 2020

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