By Staff Writer
30:09:2021

Opposition parties have called on President Ramaphosa to pursue charges against officials accused in a damming report published by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU). The report dubbed the Digital Vibes report saw the National Department of Health (NDOH) fingered over the conclusion of 2 agreements totalling over 150 million with a company called Digital Vibes on its National Health Insurance and Coronavirus campaigns. 

The company, which Radha Hariram owns, is alleged to have been a front for Ms Tahera Mather and her niece and appointed the two soon after receiving the tender. Around R300 thousand was subsequently paid to former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize’s son Dedani. A second-hand car was also purchased for him. 

Significantly, Dr Mkhize requested the appointment of Tahera by NDOH’s now suspended Director-General Dr Sandile Buthelezi.

Ramaphosa has since responded that the accused should be provided with the chance to reply before judgement. At the same time, Dr Mkhize continues to deny the charges.

The report was significantly already in the hands of Ramaphosa in July, with its delay being questioned, especially since the president allowed Dr Mkhize to resign rather than retrenching him. He also praised his handling of the Coronavirus crisis, even knowing his part in the Digital vibes saga. Further, 01 November is scheduled as the next local government election, with opposition parties jostling for influence in what may be the country’s closest election yet.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, political analyst, Dr Ntsikelelo Breakfast noted that the political calculations that occurred in the report’s release, “though on the one hand, he [Ramaphosa] says his waging war on corruption, and on the other hand, he makes decisions based on his political survival.” Dr Breakfast also noted that the scandal has primarily already played itself out in the public opinion. The report is very damming and places Dr Mkhize in a significantly compromised position.

Dr Breakfast, however, notes that this will not likely make much of a difference to the election results, with other analysts concurring. This is mainly since the party’s base is found in poorer areas, which may not necessarily be impacted enough by this finding. Parties like the Economic Freedom Fighters also have corruption allegations levelled against them may make some adopt a rather devil-you-known approach. 

Moreover, Dr Breakfast also noted the fact that these are local elections, whereby people elect councillors. This may save the ANC, especially if it nominates more reputable local candidates.

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