Staff Reporter.
The Department of Health has reinstated it director-general Sandile Buthelezi following a precautionary suspension.
Buthelezi was placed on precautionary suspension in September amid the investigation into the Digital Vibes tender scandal.
Digital Vibes scored an irregular tender worth some R150 million, with the scandal ultimately costing former health minister Zweli Mkhize his job.
Buthelezi allegedly approved over R60m in payments to Digital Vibes.
Health spokesperson Foster Mohale says Buthelezi returned to work on Monday after he was cleared of all charges.
“He was placed on precautionary suspension to allow the investigation process to run smoothly and subsequently undergone a disciplinary hearing process chaired by a retired judge.
“He was cleared of all charges levelled against him at the hearing process, hence his return to the office.
The Ministry of Health would like to wish Dr Buthelezi all the best in fulfilling his duties.”
Nicholas Crisp, deputy director-general responsible for National Health Insurance, acted in the position during Buthelezi’s suspension.
On Monday, Health Minister Joe Phaahla announced Buthelezi had been reinstated.
“Let me thank Dr Crisp, who has been holding the fort for the last two and [a] half months. We did get a message… through the presidency that his [Buthelezi’s] matter has been resolved, and he will be coming back.”
Other officials still on suspension in relation to the Digital Vibes scandal are former health department acting-director-general Anban Pillay, departmental spokesperson Popo Maja and three other officials.