Hawks and health department ‘studying’ SIU report into Digital Vibes contract

The Hawks and the national Department of Health are studying the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU’s) report into alleged corruption involving Digital Vibes, a company linked to former health minister Zweli Mkhize.

This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday morning authorised the release of the report to the public, after he received it in July this year.

The report has made damning findings against health department officials, including Mkhize, who according to the SIU, interfered in the administrative authority of the department, which led to Digital Vibes winning the contract.

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The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, otherwise known as the Hawks, is investigating allegations of corruption in the health department’s contract with Digital Vibes. And the unit is now studying the SIU report on the matter.

“Once we have gone through the report and comprehended the recommendations contained therein, only then can we respond to the answers of your enquiry,” said Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale

The department, which says it is also still studying the report, recently suspended its director-general Sandile Buthelezi, pending a disciplinary hearing into his role in the R150 million contract.

“The department is studying the report and will communicate publicly the way forward with regards to the implementation of the recommendations of the investigative report. No one, except the director-general, has been suspended,” said health department spokesperson Foster Mohale.

Buthelezi took early leave in September after he was questioned about his role in the Digital Vibes saga. He was later suspended on 27 September.