Yesterday, the Special Investigation Unit’s report was made public following the controversial Digital Vibes report, after spending months on the president Cyril Ramaphosa’s desk.
The report implicates former health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize, his son Dedani, Digital Vibes bosses and key health officials.
Throughout the investigation and even after the report had been handed over to the President, Mkhize maintained his innocence, saying he had never personally benefited from the money paid to Digital Vibes.
But now the truth is out- since almost R150m contract was awarded to Digital Vibes by the department of health, as per ‘orders’ from Dr Mkhize, for a media campaign.
This has also led to the suspension of director-general at the health department Dr Sandile Buthelezi.
The department’s Foster Mohale confirmed that Buthelezi had been suspended for his apparent involvement in the Digital Vibes tender, which had resulted in the resignation of former Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize.
Deputy Director-General Dr Anban Pillay, “is implicated in the Digital Vibes scandal on multiple fronts”.
Pillay was acting DG when the contract was awarded and a member of the tender evaluation committee (TEC). He has denied any wrongdoing.
In its court application, the SIU said Pillay appointed Digital Vibes “based on an arbitrary decision… a decision made even before Digital Vibes had submitted its quotation”.
“As acting DG, Pillay authorised R74m in payments to Digital Vibes in four months. The SIU claimed he committed fraud, violated the Public Finance Management Act and exposed himself to criminal charges.”
The SIU’s Andy Mothibi last month told Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) that Mkhize “may have committed actions of criminality”, as well as failing to comply with the Constitution.”
As for Digital Vibes- instead they’ve brought a funny vibe unto themselves, finish & klaar!
As an important department in our country and a dark cloud hovering above it- does this bring confidence to those leading the health department?
Image (Had a hand in the Digital Vibes saga from the word go. Dr Zweli Mkhize and his ‘enablers’ in trouble).
