Following the report of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) over the Digital Vibes scandal which implicated the embattled ex-minister for health, Zweli Mkhize, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has accused the ruling party African National Congress (ANC) of shielding him from prosecution.
SurgeZirc gathered that a brief was received by the health portfolio committee from the current Minister of Health, Joe Phaahla on Friday which contains the report of the SIU.
Reacting to the situation, DA parliamentarian, Siviwe Gwarube slammed the ANC for their deliberate ignorance for not allowing Mkhize to appear before the committee prior to his resignation.
The ANC however debunked the allegations noting that it was just following due process by waiting for the release of the full report from the SIU.
The ANC denied protecting Mkhize, saying it was waiting for the release of the full report.
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Recall that the Digital Vibes scandal can be traced back to allegations and reports of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) which conceded that the former health minister, Zweli Mkhize was involved in the R50 million communications contract the Health Department previously awarded to a service provider, Digital Vibes.
Findings revealed that the communications company, Digital Vibes, a firm headed by Tahera Mather, a friend of Mkhize, and Naadhira Mitha, Mkhize’s former personal assistant had been awarded a multimillion contract to provide services for the Ministry.
It was also gathered that they received a tender worth R150 million through a closed tender process in 2019 to provide communications services for the national government’s National Health Insurance rollout and later the COVID-19 pandemic.
The SIU report found that Mkhize and his family benefitted to the tune of R4 million from the tainted R150 million Digital Vibes contract. The positions of the SIU however, prompted the then ex-minister to resign his seat as Health Minister.
