By: Natasha Archary
Presidential hopeful Dr Zweli Mkhize joins Sizwe Dhlomo in-studio on Kaya Drive sharing his plans for the future of the ruling party and country.
Dr Mkhize believes he is the perfect candidate to lead not just the African National Congress (ANC) but South Africa too.
This after Dr Mkhize received 916 nominations to lead the ANC as one of the Top 6 candidates. Whether he will actually be voted ANC President in the party’s elective conference, will be decided between the 16 to 20 December.
If given the chance, Dr Zweli Mkhize will surround himself with young blood.
“The younger generation have a way of disrupting the old ways and making their point that gets attention. One other factor with the young generation infusing the ANC is that there is no loyalty attached and that is what is missing within the ANC.”
Dr Zweli Mkhize
Dr Zweli Mkhize hasn’t swept Digital Vibes under the rug
In April, the former Health Minister was cleared from any involvement in the Digital Vibes scandal.
Parliament’s ethics committee cleared Dr Mkhize from allegations against him which claimed he had benefitted from the R150 million contract.
His son, Dedani Mkhize however, was found to have received R460 000 but Dr Mkhize was cleared of being involved in this or having any knowledge of it.
“There were two separate matters regarding Digital Vibes and my son’s involvement, which I subjected myself to the investigation which was done by Parliament. The first involved Dedani receiving R460 000 from the Digital Vibes contract and the second was about his house in Bryanston and the electrical work that was done at the property which cost R 6 720.
It was found that because Dedani, my son is an adult, and is married, that he is not financially dependent on me. Therefore, I was not held liable for any of his alleged involvement in the scandal.”
Dr Zweli Mkhize on his son’s involvement in Digital Vibes
Although he was cleared of any involvement, when the allegations against him first came up, Dr Mkhize says he was prepared to resign from office in order to deal with the matter without it affecting his work.
Listen to part 1 of Dr Zweli Mkhize’s discussion on Kaya Drive:
Listen to part 2 of Dr Zweli Mkhize’s discussion on Kaya Drive:
Mkhize sets his sight on Presidency
Dr Mkhize has been publicly critical of the ruling party’s handling of the Phala Phala scandal, calling the ANC out for dragging their feet to put a contingency plan in place to protect the integrity of the party.
Not only has President Cyril Ramaphosa decided to remain silent on the findings of the Section 89 panel which found that the President may have a case to answer to regarding Phala Phala; but Dr Mkhize is not in agreement that the party has not released a statement in this regard.
Speaking about his role as ANC Treasury General, and the allegations that he required 10% of the stake of whatever deal was coming through to the ANC, Dr Mkhize said it’s all lies.
“Firstly, it’s all lies. Secondly, I will say bring me the proof of these solicitous transactions because I reject this 10% allegation with the contempt it deserves.”
Dr Mkhize says that it’s normal for politicians to be put under the microscope and scrutinized but slammed the notion that he ever entertained such underhanded transactions and insinuations that he received 10%.
Also read: ATM to challenge Ramaphosa’s application for a review of Sec. 89 report
