SA minister Zweli Mkhize put on leave over corruption allegations

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has put his Health Minister Zweli Mkhize on special leave, after allegations his department irregularly awarded COVID-19-related contracts to a communications company controlled by his former associates.

“This period of special leave will enable the Minister to attend to allegations and investigations concerning contracts between the Department of Health and a service provider, Digital Vibes,” Ramaphosa’s office said in a statement on Tuesday.

It was the latest in a series of corruption allegations linked to coronavirus-related tenders that have caused public outrage. Ramaphosa has promised that corruption during the COVID-19 pandemic will be dealt with harshly.

Earlier on Tuesday, Mkhize told the press that he had approached the president about taking a special leave pending an investigation into the contracts awarded to communications firm Digital Vibes. He has previously denied any wrongdoing.

South Africa’s Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is probing the case, one of over 4,000 coronavirus-linked contracts suspiciously awarded since the start of the pandemic.

Revelations about alleged mishandling of coronavirus funds surfaced last year and have since led investigators to believe that billions of rands have fallen into the hands of politically connected companies.

The SIU last week said that 63 government officials had so far been handed over for prosecution, while 87 companies will be blacklisted.

Play Video

Mkhize wrote to the ruling African National Congress party last week to request a meeting of its integrity committee to state his case.

A report on the outcome of the SIU probe, which the minister has vowed to make public, is expected by the end of this month.

Mkhize has been health minister since 2018 and led South Africa’s campaign against COVID-19.

He gained popularity through his handling of the pandemic and has been touted as one of the potential successors to Ramaphosa. But links to the coronavirus corruption scandals could tarnish his reputation.

Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane will serve as health minister in the interim.SOURCE: NEWS AGENCIES

RELATED

South Africa faces third COVID wave, returns to stricter lockdown

South Africa is officially the worst-hit country on the continent with more than 1.65 million cases and 56,363 deaths.30 May 2021

Further delay in South Africa ex-President Zuma corruption trial

Corruption case relating to $2bn arms deal adjourned until May 26 as defence raises concerns over the lead prosecutor.17 May 2021

COVID: South Africa to resume vaccine rollout with J&J jab

Decision comes after Johnson & Johnson vaccine was temporary suspended for a possible link between jab and blood clots.26 Apr 2021MORE FROM NEWS

‘Joints for Jabs’: US state allows free cannabis to promote shots

Sales of Tesla EVs made in China surged 29 percent in May

Kim said to unveil ‘tangible change’ plan for North Korea economy

UN court upholds Ratko Mladic’s war crimes, genocide convictions

MOST READ

Macron slapped in face during walkabout in southern France

Canada: ‘An act of mass murder perpetuated against Muslims’

In China, a little-known EV maker is leaving Tesla in the dust

Major websites begin to come back online after internet outage