Lungani Zungu
Dr Sandile Buthelezi, the Director-General at the Department of Health could be another casualty of the R150 million Digital Vibes contract after he was placed on precautionary suspension on Monday.
Former Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize was placed on precautionary suspension by President Cyril Ramaphosa before Mkhize resigned in June for his role in the illegal awarding of a R150 million contract. Dr Joe Phaahla was appointed as Health Minister.
Buthelezi will be on suspension until he appears before an internal disciplinary hearing for his alleged role in the tainted contract, the department said.
In the meantime, Dr Nicholas Crisp, Deputy Director-General responsible for National Health Insurance, will act in the position.
Digital Vibes is owned by Tahera Mather and Naadhira Mitha, known pals of Mkhize and his family.
The Special Investigating Unit report says Mkhize had allegedly put pressure on senior officials to award the contract to Digital Vibes.
Buthelezi could not be reached as his phone rang to voicemail.
Opposition political parties welcomed Buthelezi’s suspension.
“We have seen many corruption scandals being swept under the carpet in the ANC government, and this shocking theft will not be another one,” the DA’s Siviwe Gwarube said in a statement.
Ncamisile Nkwanyana, the IFP’s spokesperson on health said: “Heads must roll. We are tired of corrupt government officials. We will be following this with keen interest.”
