Following the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic, Khusela Diko took a leave of absence from the presidency in July after local newspaper reports linked her now-deceased husband’s company to a multi-million rand contract to supply personal protective equipment to the state. She denied any involvement in the contract’s solicitation.
After investigating if she had brought the ruling party into disrepute, South Africa’s ruling party cleared President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokeswoman of wrongdoing.
Diko was cleared to return to political office by the African National Congress’ national disciplinary committee, which found no proof that she behaved unethically or breached the party’s value system.
Diko is also facing disciplinary action from the government for reportedly failing to declare her financial interests. She will stay on special leave until the procedure is completed, which will decide when she will return to Ramaphosa’s office.
Diko’s lawyer said, “This closes a chapter in what has been a particularly difficult year for our client — one in which she and her family suffered immense reputational harm, and in which she also lost her beloved husband,”
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