Former Gauteng Health MEC Bandile Masuku plans to challenge the findings of the SIU report which formed the basis of Premier David Makhura’s decision to fire him.
In a statement, Masuku says he does not agree with the SIU finding that he failed to execute his oversight functions. Makhura announced that he was firing Masuku based on the preliminary findings of the Special Investigating Unit into alleged irregularities relating to the procurement of PPE supplies.
Premier @David_Makhura receives the latest SIU report on PPE pic.twitter.com/CQ2hd7m8sl
— Gauteng Provincial Gov (@GautengProvince) October 5, 2020
This is despite the SIU not having made any finding regarding Masuku’s alleged involvement in any acts of corruption or collusion. Their investigation is still underway.
In the video below, Makhura announces Health MEC’s SIU report outcome:
Masuku’s lawyer Mojalefa Motalane says: “We will be proceeding to request the final report by the SIU therefore made a determination as to our next legal step but to confirm we will be proceeding with a legal review of the finding premier during his presentation.
Dr Masuku plans to legally challenge the SIU findings:
Masuku denies involvement in COVID-19 PPE tender corruption
Masuku has denied involvement in alleged COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPEs) tender irregularities.
He has refuted the allegations as unfounded saying the awarding of contracts within the department rests with the Supply Chain Management in the Finance department.
In July, Masuku said, if evidence of corruption is found at his department action will be taken and offenders prosecuted.
The MEC has also refuted any suggestion that COVID-19 procurement is being used as a means to raise funds ahead of African National Congress (ANC) conferences.
David Lewis reacts to SIU findings on Masuku:
