Ramaphosa authorises publication of SIU report on Digital Vibes saga

President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the publication of the final Special Investigating Unit report into the multi-million rand Digital Vibes contract.

This relates to the National Department of Health’s awarding of a National Health Insurance media campaign and subsequent COVID-19 communications to Digital Vibes.

In June, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Health Minister Zweli Mkhize on special leave so he could respond to allegations against him in the Digital vibes saga.

Mkhize later resigned.

Digital Vibes, run by Mkhize’s close associates, received R150-million from the health department for grossly inflated communications services through an allegedly unlawful.

Presidential report:

Mkhize may have acted criminally in Digital Vibes contract: SIU

In September, the SIU said Mkhize may have acted criminally in the appointment of a company linked to his associates to provide communication services to the department.Digital Vibes was awarded a R150 million COVID-19 media campaign contract with the Department of Health.

The SIU has told the Standing Committee on Public Accounts that Mkhize failed to act according to the constitution and the law and that his actions led to the department incurring irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure.

Lead investigator in the case Johnny Le Roux says the SIU has referred seven matters to the Health Department for disciplinary action against officials.

The unit has also referred other matters to the NPA and the Hawks for possible criminal prosecution.

“Here we have referred 19 matters to the NPA on 8 July 2021 and it again involves senior management, middle management, junior management and private individuals. The charges range from fraud, corruption, money laundering and the progress is that criminal referral was submitted to the NPA or Hawks. The case has been registered in Pretoria and we are constantly meeting with Hawks on these matters,” says Le Roux.

Unpacking the Mkhize, SIU, Digital Vibes saga