Damning findings against Mkhize, his family and close associates in Digital Vibes contract

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) report into the multimillion-rand Digital Vibes COVID-19 communication contract has revealed damning findings against former Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize, his family and close associates.

This morning, President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the publication of the final report into the Digital Vibes matter.

The company, owned by Tahera Mather and Naadhira Mitha, was awarded R150 million to provide communication during the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

The 114-page report details how a R150 million communications contract was unlawfully awarded with the tender process having reportedly been set up to favour Digital Vibes.

The report shows that service fees for COVID-19 communications were highly inflated.

The report has also named Department of Health officials including Anban Pillay and Precious Matsoso.

In June, Ramaphosa placed Mkhize on special leave.

Department of Health Director-General Dr Sandile Buthelezi was recently placed on precautionary suspension regarding the matter.

Ramaphosa releases SIU report into Digital Vibes contract:

In August, Dedani Mkhize, son of the former Health Minster, complained that the unit should have served him with papers before it went to the Special Tribunal.

This was after it emerged that he allegedly collected boxes and parcels stuffed with cash from one of the key figures in the corruption saga involving Digital Vibes.

According to documents the SIU filed at the Special Tribunal, Mkhize repeatedly met with Digital Vibes Director Radha Hariram at a fuel station in Stanger in KwaZulu-Natal, where he allegedly collected cash directly linked to the department’s contract.

Presidential report: