GCIS official implicated in Digital Vibes scandal

An unnamed official from the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has been fingered by the
Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in the Digital Vibes matter.

This was confirmed by the GCIS in a statement on Thursday.

“GCIS has set in motion a process to deal with the SIU findings,” reads the statement.

“This process will determine which cause [sic] of action will be taken against the official concerned. The process is guided by the Guide on Disciplinary and Incapacity Matters of the Department of Public Service and Administration.

“GCIS will provide updates to the SIU and the Department of Health who referred this matter to GCIS.”

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The SIU investigated a contract between the health department and Digital Vibes pertaining to a Covid-19 media campaign.

The SIU’s report alleges that senior health department officials, including Dr Zweli Mkhize, broke procurement rules to favour the firm.

Mkhize’s son Dedani and his (Dedani’s) wife, Sthoko, also allegedly benefited from the R150 million that flowed from contract, and used more than R1 million to buy a nail-care franchise and hair salon.

Furthermore, one of the beneficial owners of Digital Vibes, Tahera Mather, allegedly used taxpayers’ money for a holiday, luxury fashion items and kitchen appliances.

ALSO READ: Digital Vibes excesses: R3 million in boxes and a lamb dressed in Louis Vuitton

“Irregular expenditure amounting to approximately R150 million – and fruitless and wasteful expenditure amounting to approximately between R 72 million and R80 million – was incurred by the NDOH [National Department of Health],” the SIU report said.

It was further noted that Digital Vibes misrepresented its tender and “failed to declare and pay company tax”. Digital Vibes also failed to pay the required VAT to the South African Revenue Service.

Moreover, the report says the health department spent “approximately R125 million in circumstances where a quotation of only R35 million for these services had been approved”.

The SIU said this was “indicative of a distinct lack of oversight on the part of [Minister Mkhize] in respect of the NDOH for which he is accountable”.

Compiled by Siyanda Ndlovu. Additional reporting by Cheryl Kahla