“I was NOT involved in Tembisa Hospital corruption” – GP Premier
A daily newspaper reported that Gauteng Premier David Makhura is involved in the PPE corruption scandal at Tembisa Hospital.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura refutes claims of his involvement in the Tembisa Hospital corruption. Instead, such allegations published in the press are just orchestrated to ruin his name.
MEDIA REPORTS MAKHURA IS INVOLVED IN TEMBISA HOSPITAL CORRUPTION
Makhura’s slamming of such rumours comes after a story was published in The Star newspaper on Friday. The article alleged that Makhura was involved in the improper procurement and payment of service providers in the hospital.
These corrupt allegations are the ones exposed by deceased whistleblower Babita Doekaran, who was gunned down shortly after she exposed the corruption.
But the claims of Makhura’s involvement come after the hospital’s CEO Ashley Mthunzi and chief financial officer Lerato Madyo were placed on precautionary suspension by the province. The two are allegedly involved in the alleged corruption.
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THIS IS A SMEAR CAMPAIGN, MAKHURA SAYS
But Makhura views these allegations against him as part of a smear campaign. He says the smearing of his name is by a criminal network which is hellbent on diverting the current investigations into the corruption at Tembisa Hospital.
He says he will not allow an orchestrated campaign to cast his name down.
“As someone who is in public office, I expect to be criticised. But I will not allow baseless and unfounded allegations against me to go unchallenged.”
Premier David Makhura
The media house also claimed that sources close to Makhura have linked him to businessman Hamilton Dlamini and Siyabonga Masuku. Masuku is apparently a huge beneficiary of the Gauteng PPE tender saga.
But Makhura denies knowing Masuku.
“I also wish to state categorically that I do not know any person by the name of Siyabonga Masuku, as reported by the paper, nor have I ever done business with government or any of its entities,” he said.
He said the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) is probing the matter of the corrupt allegations. This investigation includes the possible link to the killing of Deokaran.
“Let us allow the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) to conduct the forensic investigation into irregular procurement at the Tembisa Hospital. As was the case with previous investigations, this one will equally follow due process until all those who are involved in corrupt activities are brought to book, said Makhura.
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