Digital Vibes: Over R1 million spent on hair salon, nail franchise for Mkhize’s family

More jaw-dropping allegations against suspended Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize’s son, Dedani, have surfaced regarding the controversial R150 million contract awarded to communications firm Digital Vibes by the national Department of Health.

Daily Maverick has reported that Dedani and his wife, Sthoko Mkhize, benefited from the Digital Vibes contract, with the couple allegedly using over R1 million to obtain a nail care franchise and hair salon.

ALSO READ: Mkhize’s son scored a bakkie from Digital Vibes – report

The publication reported that R650,000 was given to Sthoko to open her Tammy Taylor Nails franchise at the Midlands Mall in Pietermaritzburg.

The franchise was opened in December 2020.

Then R446,000 of the contract’s funds was used to start a new hair salon, Gold Ace Cuts and Curls, which is reportedly co-owned by Dedani.

This is despite Dedani denying claims that he benefited to the tune of R3.8 million from the Digital Vibes contract.

Money-laundering allegations

The Sunday Times has also reported on money-laundering allegations involving Dedani, which was included in the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU’s) affidavit.

He allegedly received more than R4.2 milion in electronic fund transfers (EFTs), including money for a car instalment.

This also allegedly included cash in plastic bags and cardboard boxes, which was given to Dedani by a petrol station manager who was registered as the owner of Digital Vibes, according to the publication.

ALSO READ: Mkhize’s son admits to receiving money from Digital Vibes ‘owner’

This was done after Digital Vibes allegedly recruited a cash-‘n-carry owner to help launder the contract’s monies.

Daily Maverick’s investigative unit, Scorpio, previously revealed that Digital Vibes purchased a second-hand Toyota Land Cruiser for Dedani around the same time the Department of Health transferred about R50 million to the company for its services.

SIU approaches Tribunal

Last Thursday, the SIU filed a 90-page affidavit to the Special Tribunal.

The SIU is seeking to review and set aside the multimillion-rand tender awarded to Digital Vibes, a company purportedly owned by Mkhize’s close associate Tahera Mather.

The affidavit was filed as part of the SIU’s bid to recover the R150 million paid to Digital Vibes.

READ MORE: ‘Well f*** me!’ – Agencies gag at Digital Vibes’ fat Covid-19 contract

The SIU listed 20 people – including Mkhize and his son – who received around R90 million from the R150 million contract.

The investigating unit has also recommended that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) consider charging Mkhize and his son for corruption over “suspicious payments” they received from Digital Vibes.

Digital Vibes was initially contracted to handle the department’s National Health Insurance (NHI) communication work, but its scope was later expanded to include work on the department’s Covid-19 campaigns.