Will Khusela Diko be redeployed to GCIS as deputy DG?

Former presidential spokesperson Khusela Diko’s future position still hangs in the air after Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele refrained from revealing which department she would be redeployed to.

Addressing the media ahead of the Cabinet lekgotla on Tuesday morning, Gungubele said he could not disclose which position Diko would fill when she returned from maternity leave.

“When she comes back from maternity leave, the director-general in the Presidency and the relevant leadership in the office will deal with that. We are in no position to address that now,” he said.

Gungubele also said Diko would go on a correction course, adding that there was no evidence of corruption found against President Cyril Ramaphosa’s former spokesperson.

According to Daily Maverick, Diko could be appointed as the deputy director-general (DDG) at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) when she returns in October.

It was previously confirmed by the Presidency that Diko would not return as Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, saying she would be redeployed to a different position in the public service.

This followed the conclusion of Diko’s disciplinary process.

The Presidency had initiated an internal disciplinary process against Diko after she took special leave in July 2020, in light of an investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into personal protective equipment (PPE) procurement at the Gauteng department of health.

READ MORE: Diko slams ‘stubborn patriarchy’ that expects women to account for spouses’ dealings

This was in relation to the awarding of two contracts by the provincial department to Royal Bhaca, a company owned by Diko’s late husband, Thandisizwe Diko.

While Diko was cleared of any wrongdoing in the awarding of a R125 million PPE tender, she failed to disclose her interests in certain companies as required by public service regulations on the disclosure of financial interests.

She was then served with a written warning for the offence, while her suspension also lifted.