By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has confirmed that it has not cleared anyone in the Digital Vibes matter, including former health minister Zweli Mkhize.
“The matter is currently pending in the High Court,” the unit said on Wednesday morning following a media report that Mkhize had been “cleared”.
“Due to this matter pending in court, the SIU will respect the court process and not comment further,” the SIU said.
The SIU said it has taken note of the article which is misleading.
“As the publication has the potential to mislead the public, the SIU is enjoined to set the record straight.”
“SIU has not cleared anyone in the Digital Vibes matter. The matter is currently pending in the High Court. Due to this matter pending in court, the SIU will respect the court process and not comment further,” it said.
Investigations by an independent forensic audit firm and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) found that a tender awarded to Digital Vibes to handle communications around the national health insurance and Covid-19 was irregular.
This resulted in the wasteful and irregular expenditure of R150 million.
Mkhize was forced to resign after he, his family and close associates were implicated in the tender.
In his resignation letter, he claimed the SIU worked with a “predetermined outcome and a closed mind in the investigation”.
Despite all the controversy surrounding him, Mkhize is one of the candidates vying to stand against President Cyril Ramaphosa at the party’s national elective conference in December.