NATIONAL NEWS - Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has been placed on special leave by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Presidency announced on Tuesday.
The statement said this would afford Mkhize an opportunity to attend to allegations and investigations concerning contracts between the Department of Health and a service provider, Digital Vibes.
“The Special Investigating Unit is investigating this matter and the President awaits a report on the outcome of this probe. Minister of Tourism Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane will serve as Acting Minister of Health until further notice,” reads the statement.
Mkhize on Tuesday sounded like a man already handing over his ministerial duties amid a corruption probe linked to his long-time associates’ former aide, and personal assistant Tahera Mather, and Naadhira Mitha.
“I have made sure the President is fully briefed on everything and at any one time if there is an issue that needs to be discussed I am always available,” said Mkhize.
He was addressing Journalists during a walkabout at a vaccination site in Kimberly on Tuesday.
When asked amongst others the question of a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into the R150 million communications contract thaT was granted to Digital Vibes by his department.
“For now we should not pre-empt issues, the SIU report is still on its way, it has not come,” said Mkhize.
