The Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which is in the process of tracking down about R90m of the R150m paid to Digital Vibes, has reportedly recommended to President Cyril Ramaphosa that he should fire his Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, reports Mail & Guardian. Mkhize was placed on special leave by the president over alleged corruption in the Covid-19 Digital Vibes communications contract.
According to a Mail & Guardian report, the SIU has recommended ‘executive action’ against Mkhize.
On 30 June, the SIU submitted its final report into allegations that Mkhize had influenced the tender in favour of the company, which is linked to his former spokesperson, Tahera Mather, who reportedly controlled Digital Vibes with the minister’s former personal assistant, Naadhira Mitha.
The investigative body submitted additional information requested by the presidency on 2 July. Although Ramaphosa is still to announce his decision regarding the fate of Mkhize, the M&G quotes a source with intimate knowledge of the matter as saying the SIU had recommended "executive action" against the health minister and disciplinary action against the officials who were involved. "Executive action" is understood to mean dismissal.
Mkhize has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in connection with the awarding of the tender and has distanced himself from Mather, describing her as his "comrade" instead of a "personal friend".
Full Mail & Guardian report – SIU tells Cyril to axe Zweli (Restricted access)
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
Scopa told that Ramaphosa wants ‘more information’ on Digital Vibes
Digital Vibes corruption: Mkhize's 'special leave' may be permanent
Digital Vibes scandal: Pressure on Health Minister increases