The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) on Friday commended Gauteng Premier David Makhura’s decision to dismiss Gauteng Health MEC Dr Bandile Masuku from his position, following his alleged involvement in a personal protection equipment (PPE) scandal.

The IFP said Makhura’s decision was appropriate action that showed the current administration’s commitment to rooting out corruption and maladministration.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate reports of maladministration relating to PPE across all provinces. 

“The dismissal of Dr Masuku follows the SIU investigations which have found that he has failed to act in line with Constitutional and Public Finance Management Act duties, which resulted in the fraudulent and irregular awarding of procurement tenders for goods and services related to the Covid-19 response,” said the IFP.

The IFP further welcomed Makhura’s commitment to recover stolen funds from all Covid-19 tenders, across all departments in the Gauteng government.

The party further called for all SIU reports to be made public.

The IFP went on to urge acting health MEC Jacob Mamabolo to ensure that the department’s funding is used lawfully and sparingly, to fulfil its intended purpose.