Staff Reporter.
South African authorities will investigate the awarding of contracts to a company that reportedly has links to two aides of health minister Zweli Mkhize.
The investigation falls part of a proclamation signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa last year directing the SIU to probe corruption allegations linked to the procurement of personal protective equipment and services by state institutions.
The Special Investigating Unit is probing whether the Department of Health followed the correct procedures when it awarded the contracts, spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said Thursday by phone.
“We have received complaints on allegations around the procurement process at the Department of Health and are looking into them,” he said. “We are not specifically looking at allegations against any individuals.”
The Daily Maverick, a Johannesburg-based news website, reported on Wednesday that the aides to Mkhize benefited from a Covid-19 contract awarded by the government last year.
Two associates of Mkhize have pocketed emergency Covid-19 cash from the DoH [Department of Health] via their consultancy work for a company appointed by the department,” the report stated.
In response to the allegations, the Department of Health denied that there was a conflict of interest and said it was investigating the claims.
Digital Vibes apparently has no website and according to company records, its business address is listed as a residential property in KwaDukuza.
Digital Vibes was initially appointed in late 2019 through a contentious closed tender to provide communications services for the government’s National Health Insurance (NHI) rollout.
When the country went into lockdown in March last year, the company’s services were reportedly extended to include communications services for Covid-19. In 2018, the company was also awarded a contract from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) when Mkhize was its minister.
Health Ministry spokeswoman Lwazi Manzi didn’t immediately respond to questions requesting comment.
Investigators are gathering information from all stakeholders, Kganyago said.
“We cannot say when the work will be completed, but we will prioritize it and ensure that we conclude as soon as possible,” he said.
Meanwhile the African National Congress (ANC) said Mkhize is innocent until proven guilty.
ANC Treasurer-General Paul Mashatile said the party’s leadership will wait for Mkhize’s response on the reports.
“Well, I saw the story about Dr Mkhize. I haven’t really heard his side of the story. So I will give him the benefit of the doubt that there shouldn’t be anything we should worry about on the matter. I’m sure he will come to Luthuli House and explain to us what happened,” added Mashatile.