A R109 million PPE contract awarded to a company tied to the late husband of former presidential spokesperson Khusela Diko has resurfaced in one of South Africa’s most controversial pandemic procurement scandals.
The deal was first exposed by Babita Deokaran, a Gauteng health official who was later assassinated in August 2021 after flagging suspicious payments linked to Tembisa Hospital. The company involved, Royal Bhaca Projects, belonged to Diko’s late husband, Chief Thandisizwe Diko. At the time, Khusela Diko—then President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson—took a leave of absence amid the controversy.
While the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) confirmed the contract was canceled before full payment was made, public outrage persists over the lack of accountability and justice for Deokaran. No prosecutions have followed in the Diko-linked tender case, while six alleged hitmen are on trial for her murder. The mastermind behind her killing remains unknown, raising fears of retaliation against whistleblowers who expose corruption.
The case has intensified demands for stronger whistleblower protections and transparency in government procurement, with many South Africans calling for justice beyond mere investigations.
