Tebogo Msimanga |
Suspended Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize resigned on Thursday. President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Mkhize on special leave on 08 June 2021 following allegations and investigations concerning contracts between the Department of Health and a service provider, Digital Vibes.
Digital Vibes was awarded R150 million contract by the Department of Health for communications work. DA’s Shadow minister of Health Siviwe Gwarube said the President no longer has an excuse to table the SIU report handed over to him weeks ago. “The SIU in an affidavit to the Special Tribunal said Mkhize repeatedly pressurised the Health Director-General, Malebona Matsoso, to approve the irregular Digital Vibes contract.”
Mkhize also allegedly “directly and indirectly” benefited from the irregular contract, which bypassed proper procurement processes.
Gwarube further said the SIU claims that “at best, this conduct on the part of the Minister was improper and, at worst, the conduct of the Minister was unlawful”. On 3 June 2021, the DA laid a criminal charge against both Minister Mkhize and the Director-General of the Health Department.
The DA called on President Ramaphosa to show his mettle by cleaning up his Cabinet and appoint a permanent Minister of Health who is capable and beyond reproach. “Not only should Mkhize be fired, he must also be criminally investigated and face the full might of the law should he be found guilty.” Concluded Gwarube.
