Masuku’s future hangs in the balance – ANC to decide on his fate
The fate of Gauteng Health MEC Bandile Masuku hangs in the balance this weekend when the ANC in the province meets.
The party will consider a report by the Provincial Integrity Commission which found Masuku failed to practice adequate oversight of the PPE contracts being awarded by his department.
This relates to a R125-million tender given to the husband of presidential spokesperson, Khusela Diko. But the MEC plans to launch a fightback.
Masuku has already written a letter to the commission objecting to its findings.
The report found that Masuku did not influence the tender or financially benefit from it.
But it’s the question of oversight of PPE tenders that is unresolved.
One political analyst says the MEC’s letter disputing the Integrity Commission’s report shouldn’t come as a surprise.
“It will always be subject to internal politics of the party,” said Ongama Mtimka.
“Both in terms of the responses to its work but equally in terms of executing its work. The comrades who are in charge of it, also have vested interests in developments of the party.”
Mtimka says despite this, the Commission is playing an important role.
“It’s an important structure in the body politic of the ANC. Especially in responding to public pressure. And if you look at the where is the loss of support of the party, it’s around the perceptions that, that it allows or in fact, it creates the political framework for corruption in the country.”
The Gauteng premier, who is also ANC chairperson, says he hopes the meeting will send a clear message.
“I am looking forward to that meeting of the ANC where the governing party of this province will be able to make decisions,” said Premier David Makhura.
“[We] will be able to show that the ANC is very consistent in how it deals with issues of malfeasance and corruption.”
If Masuku is unhappy with the PEC decision, he can challenge it in the party’s national structures.
In Other News – Trevor Noah sells his Los Angeles mansion for R351 million
South African born comedian Trevor Noah has reportedly sold his glamorous mega-mansion in Los Angeles for a $21.7 million. That’s a whopping R351 million.
The star made headlines last year when he bought the house for $20.5 million (R279 million at the time).
The ultra-modern double-storey mansion apparently sits on a 1.31-acre property with a breathtaking view of LA, “infinity pool, 500-gallon saltwater aquarium, home theatre and ultra-private VIP suite”. learn more
Source – eNCA
