by Summary: Health Minister Zweli Mkhize briefs media on
Digital Vibes contract
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize confirmed that irregular
expenditure of at least R35 million is involved in the communications contract
with Digital Vibes and said that the department will fully co-operate with
investigators from the Special Investigations Unit (SIU).
He said that both the tender and bidding for the contract
was in contravention of the Public Finance managing Act, but added that he was
not involved in the awarding of the contract.
Mkhize said that he has not personally seen the invoices from
the service provider, but added that it was shocking that a programme intended
to benefit South Africans was corrupted.
Health DG Dr S Buthelezi said that internal disciplinary
processes were under way and it was at an advanced stage and added that senior
counsel has been appointed to recover some of the money.
Mkhize said that he did not benefit from the contract, and
though he supported known people working for the department, he said that
appointments should be above board.
– Compiled by Duncan Alfreds
