Nails, BMWs, Moët: How the Mkhizes ‘burned through’ Digital Vibes cash

A blistering report from the Daily Maverick’s ‘Scorpio’ investigation unit has, allegedly, followed the money all the way through to some brazen business ventures. The illicit Digital Vibes contract, which looks to have killed Zweli Mkhize’s political career, was also used as a fund for his son Dedani, and daughter-in-law Sthoko.

Zweli Mkhize’s son, daughter-in-law splash the cash

The younger pair are understood to have spent large six-figure sums on separate start-ups in Pietermaritzburg. The mall-based outlets focus on hair and beauty treatments respectively. In total, the bill calculated by Scorpio has smashed through the R1 million barrier. Here’s how Dedani and Sthoko allegedly benefitted from the Digital Vibes deal.

Dedani Mkhize

• At least R446 000 flowed to the new hair salon, Gold Ace Cuts and Curls, which is co-owned by Dedani Mkhize
• The money ‘covered a few personal bills’ too, including at least one monthly R22 000 instalment for a BMW SUV.
• Dedani’s All Out Trading allegedly received R300 000 from an Digital Vibes-linked slush fund.
• Zweli Mkhize then, supposedly, forwarded R146 000 from the All Out Tradin to Gold Ace Cuts and Curls. 

Sthoko Mkhize

• At least R650 000 from Digital Vibes allegedly went towards start-up costs for ‘Tammy Taylor Nails’ outlet.
• This nail bar is a business venture owned by Sthoko Mkhize – Zweli’s daughter-in-law. 
• The facility boasts a pedicure station, rows of top-range skincare goods, and several full-time employees.
• ‘Launch day’ red carpets, cheese platters, and several bottles of Moët & Chandon Champagne were also paid for.

Digital Vibes: Latest news and updates

What is more, Scorpio concluded that the business co-owned by Dedani was registered just as the pandemic reached our shores in March 2020 – shortly before it started receiving its first funds linked to the DoH contract. However, the salon only opened its doors to customers in July 2021, raising further suspicions about its financial status.

Findings from the SIU also heavily implicate both of the Mkhize men. They are believed to be listed among 20 people to whom Digital Vibes paid R90m of the R150m the company received from their contract with the Department of Health, which the SIU contends was unlawful, invalid, and must be set aside.