Political analyst Ivor Sarakinsky says President Cyril Ramaphosa should have taken a decisive decision against Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize as he is facing serious allegations of corruption.
Sarakinsky says the president is not dealing with the matter appropriately.
Sarakinsky says Ramaphosa finds himself in a difficult position as Mkhize is a medical doctor who knows what needs to be done in terms of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Minister Mkhize made it very hard for President Ramaphosa because in many other democracies a scandal like this would result in the minister resigning falling on his sword and in that way protecting the president from having to take disciplinary action. So that is the practice that should be in place. But in SA if that was the case we would have ongoing changes in the cabinet with all the scandals that are emerging through media investigations and the Zondo Commission.”
Ramaphosa dealing with allegations
On Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said he’s dealing with allegations around Mkhize and the irregular R150 million Digital Vibes contract.
There has been mounting pressure from the DA and other parties for Mkhize to step down or be removed by Ramaphosa.
The President said the allegations are serious and need to be investigated thoroughly by law enforcement agencies and that due process will be followed once the investigations are finalised.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says he’s dealing with allegations against Dr Zweli Mkhize:
Mkhize to appear before Parliament’s Health Committee on Friday
Meanwhile, Mkhize will be appearing before Parliament’s Health Committee on Friday morning to respond to allegations of his involvement in the irregular Digital Vibes contract.
National Assembly House Committee Chairperson and Chair of Committee Chairpersons Cedrick Frolick has confirmed to the SABC that Mkhize will appear before the committee.
Frolick says he has approved a committee request for Mkhize to appear before the Health Committee early on Friday morning.
Frolick says a virtual meeting with Mkhize and the Health Parliamentary Committee will take place at 8 o’clock on Friday morning.
DA lays criminal charges against Mkhize
Democratic Alliance (DA) shadow Minister of Health, Siviwe Gwarube, has laid criminal charges against Mkhize at the Cape Town Central Police Station.
She has also laid charges of contravening the Public Finance Management Act against Health Department Director-General Dr Sandile Buthelezi.
DA lays criminal charge against Dr Zweli Mkhize:
