AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER
CYRIL Ramaphosa, the president of South Africa has offered his condolences to his suspended spokesperson Khusela Diko, whose husband, Chief Madzikane II Thandisizwe Diko, has passed on.
A statement issued by the Presidency said: “The President’s thoughts are with Ms Diko and her family – notably queen Nozizwe Diko and Queen Nolwandle Sangoni, as well as friends and associates of the late Nkosi, and the AmaBhaca more broadly.”
Ramaphosa joined many South Africans who also sent condolences to Diko, who now faces disciplinary procedures because of her husband’s involvement in the a controversial R125-million tender for personal protection equipment. The tender has been cancelled and is the subject of investigations by law enforcement agencies.
The Chief of the AmaBacha, 43, died in a hospital in East London, in the Eastern Cape.
In a statement, the KwaBacha Great Kingdom said: “Ingonyama Madzikane II Diko passed away in the afternoon on Sunday, 21 February 2021, in East London following ( a) short illness.
iSiswe sa Mabacha and the royal family are still coming to terms with this shocking and painful loss of our beloved father, son and husband, and we will make further announcements once the kingdom has finalised arrangements for the burial. We are humbled by the outpouring of support and grief since the news of His Majest’s passing first became known.
We thank you for keeping the family and iSizwe samaBhaca in your thoughts and prayers during this time of grief.”
Khusela has been suspended and subjected to disciplinary measures by the Presidency. She is also facing similar action from the ANC in Gauteng.
