Premier David Makhura gave the latest update on the personal protective equipment (PPE’s) scandal, during his weekly Covid-19 update driven by the Gauteng Command Council. The special investigation unit (SIU) was tasked by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate the alleged corruption in the procurement of PPE’s, particularly in the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in South Africa.
Several names of Government officials have been implicated in the alleged corruption cases, including Gauteng health MEC Bandile Masuku who is currently placed on a leave of absence pending further investigation. Premier Makhura confirmed that the SIU pointed out Two other Health officials suspected to have been involved in the tender corruption. One of the accused government officials has resigned however the ministry associated with the member will also be investigated.
Justice and correctional services Minister Ronald Lamola vowed that government officials who are linked in any corruption will not get a slap on the wrist but will serve jail time, to send a strong message that the Ministry does not endorse corruption from any party.
Meanwhile, on the Covid-19 updates in Gauteng, the premier has indicated that the epicenter province is experiencing a shift on covid-19 related statistics, there is a decline in the number of infections recorded a day and the recovery rate is increasing positively. To date 132 002 people have recovered and the daily infections are at 2000 from a previous average of 5000 a day. The death toll is at 2,388 and there is 4,400 hospitalized Covid-19 patience. There are 187,631 confirmed cases and 53,241 active cases. The Premier highlighted these were good news in 4 Months but the province is not out of the woods yet.
Gauteng will be the host of the Premier Soccer League matches, and the remaining games of the National First Division and the PSL will resume on the 8th of August 2020. The premier has appealed to the public to continue following the safety measures to curb the spread of the virus.
Source: Enca
