Ousted health MEC breaks silence, defends himself
Masuku was fired by Premier David Makhura following an SIU report that found Masuku failed his constitutional duty to provide oversight on his department.
Embattled Gauteng Health MEC Dr Bandile Masuku is set to legally challenge the findings of a Special Investigations Unit (SIU) report which led to him being axed by Premier David Makhura on Friday.
The report found Masuku failed to execute his functions in compliance with the constitution and public finance management act (PFMA) – alluding to failing his oversight of the department.
Masuku issued a 13-page statement challenging his dismissal which was universally welcomed by opposition parties.
In his defense, Masuku said: “I did not act dishonestly, illegally or in a corrupt manner to benefit myself, friends, family, at the expense of people who face major suffering against Covid-19.’’
He alluded his silence to the ANC’s ‘’principles’’ to not disturb the investigation.
“I feel strongly that the SIU ignored all other affidavits including mine and chose to rely on one affidavit,” he said.
“It is clear to me that the SIU is either under extreme pressure from legitimate public outcry against corruption and the need to ensure accountability or it is deliberately engaged in politics for ends are yet to be established.’’
Masuku claimed that the report confused his role with that of an accounting officer.
“The SIU report makes incorrect and non-factual findings about my role as executive authority.”
Meanwhile, the investigation into Masuku’s alleged direct involvement in Covid-19 corruption was still underway.
“Should the MEC be cleared of any wrongdoing or found not to have been directly involved in the Covid-19 corruption, he will be reinstated,” Makhura said on Friday.
“I take the findings of the violation of the constitution and the PFMA very seriously.”
Transport MEC Jacob Mamabolo would continue as acting health MEC until the investigation drew to a close.
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