By Kaya 959 News
A final report of the Special Investigating Unit on an investigation into a contract between the National Department of Health and service provider, Digital Vibes, has been handed over to the Presidency.
“The Presidency is studying the report and will keep the public abreast of developments in this matter. It will do so in a manner that preserves information that may be or become the subject of prosecution, civil action or disciplinary proceedings,” said acting spokesperson to the president, Tyrone Seale.
It is unclear when the findings or recommendations made in the report will be made public.
Last week, SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago, confirmed that the report had been submitted to the presidency on Wednesday as per the deadline set.
The SIU was tasked with investigating Digital Vibes, a media company run by Zweli Mkhize’s former personal spokesperson, Tahera Mather and his former personal assistant, Naadhira Mitha.
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Digital Vibes bank accounts frozen
The company was awarded a R150 million tender for services linked to the National Health Insurance and later the roll-out of communications around Covid-19.
At least R90m of the R150m was funneled to entities set up by both women to business and personal accounts of some of Mather’s immediate family. Funds were also channeled to suspicious third parties.
Thus far, investigations have established that R40m was used for legitimate service providers and other costs related to the department’s contract. R20m has not been accounted for.
It has been further alleged that Digital Vibes had paid for renovations for a house owned by Mkhize’s family trust. They had reportedly bought Mkhize’s son, Dedani, a vehicle.
During the SIU’s investigation, a special tribunal granted the unit an order to freeze R22m found in bank accounts linked to Digital Vibes as well as companies and people paid by them.
Mkhize has been and remains on special leave.
