Zweli Mkhize Supports SIU Probe into Associates' R82m Health Tender

Zweli Mkhize Supports SIU Probe into Associates' R82m Health Tender

- Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has welcomed the Special Investigating Unit's probe into a contract allegedly awarded to his associates

- A report was recently released revealing a company called Digital Vibes had received the R82 million tender

- Dr Mkhize addressed the National Council of Provinces where he was asked about the investigations

PAY ATTENTION: Join Briefly News' Telegram channel! Never miss important updates!

Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize’s addressed the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) pertaining to the investigation of the Digital Vibes contract, a company supposedly linked to the minister.

Mkhize stated that in January he met with the Director-General where he gave Mkhize an update on the ongoing investigations at the Department. With regards to Digital Vibes, Mkhize was advised that the Auditor General had raised specific findings that were found to be irregular.

Mkhize went on to say that he was informed that the matter would be investigated and he fully supported this view and welcomed the Director-General to go ahead.

Read also

Zweli Mkhize says 1.1m will receive Covid vaccine by end of March

Dr Zweli Mkhize backs SIU Probe into associates R82m tender
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has supported the SIU probe into an R82 million tender that is allegedly associated with him. Image: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images and PHILL MAGAKOE/POOL/AFP
Source: Getty Images

Mkhize added that he asked the Director-General to procure the services of an external independent service provider to investigate the contract.

According to News24, Mkhize promised that the results of the report would be publicised.

Earlier, Briefly.co.za reported that the ANC had backed Mkhize after the news about the tender irregularities broke. It was reported by the Daily Maverick that a small communications company, Digital Vibes, was awarded the R82 million contract. Now the African National Congress (ANC) has stated that the minister is innocent until proven guilty.

Allegedly, two of Dr Mkhize's associates had benefitted from the tender.

News24 reported that the SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyango said the communications company is based in KwaZulu-Natal. He added that the SIU had already started their investigations.

In other news, Briefly.co.za reported that Former State Security Minister Bongani Bongo appeared in the Western Cape High Court on Friday, 26 February. Bongo was cleared of charges after being accused of attempting to derail a parliamentary inquiry into Eskom.

Read also

Bongani Bongo's case has been dismissed, found not guilty of bribery

Bongo had allegedly offered a cash bribe to the evidence leader Ntuthuselo Vanara, who was part of a Public Enterprises Portfolio committee.

Reports say that the former minister's legal representatives stated that there sufficient evidence had not been presented in court on Monday. Bongo had incessantly denied the allegations against him and it worked out in his favour.

Enjoyed reading our story? Download BRIEFLY's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news!

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Reeshni Chetty avatar

Reeshni Chetty Reeshni Chetty is a senior current affairs reporter. The Damelin journalism and media studies graduate was top of her class with 16 distinctions and she boasts experience in radio, print and digital media. When Reeshni is not rushing to bring you the most important and breaking news in current affairs, she's raising awareness around mental health. Reeshni has a passion for breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues.