The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for a full inquiry into the appointment of Health Minister Zweli Mkhize's niece as his chief of staff amid corruption allegations relating to her tenure at the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), reports IoL. "As such, the DA will request an urgent investigation by the Public Service Commission (PSC) into her appointment. It is essential that the appointment of a family member that has been suspected of corruption is investigated thoroughly in order to ascertain whether due process relating to recruitment procedures were complied with."
The DA noted that Sibusisiwe Ngubane Zulu is alleged to have been complicit in the mismanagement and misappropriation of some R6bn while working at the PIC, Africa's biggest investment manager. The DA's health spokesperson Siviwe Gwarube conceded that the allegations never led to criminal charges but said Ngubane Zulu's appointment remained troubling.
Gwarube added that Ngubane Zulu's appointment further proved why the DA’s opposition to a National Health Insurance Board, which will be appointed by the health minister, was justified. "Any decent governance models would dictate that appointments of a board that is set to manage a multi-billion fund should be independent of politicians. Mkhize’s brazen appointment of his family member is clearly a sign of things to come."
A spokesperson for Mkhize has defended the appointment.
[link url="https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/western-cape/da-call-for-probe-into-appointment-of-mkhizes-niece-fingered-in-misappropriation-of-r6bn-at-pic-41503410"]Full IoL report[/link]