By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Embattled health minister Zweli Mkhize’s family allegedly used more than R1 million from the Digital Vibes contract to launch two upmarket nail, hair and beauty salons in Pietermaritzburg in 2020.
Daily Maverick has again revealed how the embattled company bankrolled Mkhize’s son, Dedani, and his wife, Sthoko Mkhize.
It was reported that R650 000 was given to Sthoko to open her Tammy Taylor Nails franchise while R446 000 was used to start a new hair salon, Gold Ace Cuts and Curls, which is reportedly co-owned by Dedani.
This is despite Dedani denying claims that he benefited from the Digital Vibes contract.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has since referred Mkhize senior and junior to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), over corruption charges.
In the SIU’s findings following its probe into the contract, Mkhize senior is accused of having received R6.7m while his son is said to have received R3.8m despite not doing any work for Digital Vibes, as per the SIU’s report.
Also implicated in the scandal is Mkhize’s long-time spokesperson Tahera Mather and his former personal assistant Naadhira Mitha who were enlisted as directors of Digital Vibes.
Mather and Mitha have subsequently been accused by the company’s owner and director Radha Hariram of then embezzling about R80m from the company.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) obtained a preservation order to freeze R22 million that was held in bank and investment accounts linked to Digital Vibes.
Preliminary investigations into the department and the company, as well as those implicated have exposed two highly irregular and unlawful transactions.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is currently studying the report with mounting outcry from various sectors to reshuffle his Cabinet and urgently replace Mkhize.