Digital Vibes: Ramaphosa orders publication of SIU report

President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised publication of the final report of the Special Investigating Unit into the National Department of Health’s award of a National Health Insurance media campaign and subsequent COVID-19 communications to Digital Vibes.

 In June, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Health Minister Zweli Mkhize on special leave so he could respond to allegations against him in the Digital Vibes saga.

DISCLOSURE FOLLOWS PAIA APPLICATIONS

“President Ramaphosa received a report and referral on the Digital Vibes matter from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in early July 2021. The Presidency subsequently sent third-party notices to all persons or entities referred to in the report, so they could have an opportunity to object to its publication or part thereof,” said the Presidency on Wednesday morning.

This was done in the interest of fairness and in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), following a number of PAIA applications by persons and parties who wished to have sight of the report.

In September, the SIU said Mkhize may have acted criminally in the appointment of a company linked to his associates to provide communication services to the department. Digital Vibes was awarded a R150 million COVID-19 media campaign contract with the Department of Health.

The SIU has told the Standing Committee on Public Accounts that Mkhize failed to act according to the constitution and the law and that his actions led to the department incurring irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure.

READ: Digital Vibes: EFF MP GRILLS Health Dept over ‘lack of action’

SIU REFERS SEVEN MATTERS FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Lead investigator in the case Johnny Le Roux says the SIU has referred seven matters to the Health Department for disciplinary action against officials.

“Here we have referred 19 matters to the NPA on 8 July 2021 and it again involves senior management, middle management, junior management and private individuals. The charges range from fraud, corruption, money laundering and the progress is that criminal referral was submitted to the NPA or Hawks. The case has been registered in Pretoria and we are constantly meeting with Hawks on these matters,” said Le Roux.

The unit has also referred other matters to the NPA and the Hawks for possible criminal prosecution.