SIU files papers with Special Tribunal to set aside Digital Vibes contract

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) says it has filed papers with the Special Tribunal with the intention to set aside the controversial R150 million rand contract between the National Health Department and communications firm, Digital Vibes.

The controversy around the tender led to Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize being placed on special leave following his alleged involvement in the contract.

The SIU has since concluded investigations into the matter and handed over the report to President Cyril Ramaphosa.

SIU Spokesperson Kaiser Kganyago says they now want to recover the money paid to the company.

“We have served the papers with the tribunal with the intention to set aside the contract between the Department of Health and Digital Vibes and recover the money which is about R150 million rand that was paid to digital vibes. The papers were served as a result of the days that were given by the Tribunal when we froze the accounts of Digital Vibes and others. We were given 30 days and it expired yesterday (Friday) and that is why we served the papers.

The video below is on the SIU finalising its Digital Vibes report:

Dedani Mkhize denies recieving money from Digital Vibes

The Health Minister’s son, Dedani Mkhize, has denied that he ever received R3.8 million Digital Vibes, which had received a R150-million tender from the National Department of Health.

Dedani Mkhize is alleged to have received the cash in the form of a car and money in boxes.

The SIU says in court papers the money must be recouped and the case be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority.

Dedani Mkhize claims he approached the SIU offering to co-operate with the investigation process but the SIU hasn’t contacted him for an interview.

He says he even offered to repay any money if it is proven that he unknowingly benefitted from an individual who received funds unlawfully from the state.

Mkhize says he had to hear in the media that the court papers were filed and that neither he nor his lawyers have been served with the court papers.

Meanwhile, the SIU has issued a statement rejecting Mkhize’s allegations of bias and lack of impartiality.

The statement says that Mkhize had made written submissions, which were thoroughly considered as part of the investigation.

“It can therefore not be true that he was not afforded an opportunity to be heard. Mr. Mkhize is cited as a respondent in the papers before the Special Tribunal and he will have a further opportunity to explain circumstances under which the money was exchanged with Ms. Tahera Mather.”  Mather is one of the key individuals in the running of Digital Vibes.

The SIU says, “The outcomes of all our investigations are evidence-based. We are therefore rejecting Mr. Mkhize’s comment that we have made predetermination on the matter.

Additional report by Liela Magnus