Minister Zweli Mkhize and his family benefited from the contract according to SIU report. Photo: GCIS
Cabinet reshuffle: Here’s who might REPLACE Zweli Mkhize
Dr Zweli Mkhize has been embroiled in a questionable R150 million contract which was awarded to his associates
Minister Zweli Mkhize and his family benefited from the contract according to SIU report. Photo: GCIS
While it is yet to be confirmed, Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize’s days are rumoured to be numbered, meaning President Cyril Ramaphosa now has the task of replacing him.
Mkhize’s on the firing line over the R150 million Digital Vibes contract, which was irregularly awarded to two of his associates Tahera Mather and Naadhira Mitha. It was reported that Ramaphosa would either remove him or ask him to step aside, pending the finalisation of a probe by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
Zweli Mkhize could be out very soon
Now according to Mail & Guardian, the president is looking at possibly replacing Mkhize with former Gauteng Health MEC Dr Gwen Ramokgopa or current Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
Dlamini-Zuma would be considered a controversial pick by Ramaphosa, particularly given some of the unpopular decisions she has implemented, in the wake of the COVID-19 lockdown. Ramkgopa is the chancellor of Tshwane University of Technology and had served as Deputy Health minister between 2010 and 2014.
There have been growing calls for Mkhize to be given the axe and MPs used Ramaphosa’s budget vote in Parliament to rant over the scandal and demand his removal.
“In the midst of a global pandemic, with thousands of people dying, the third wave having reached us and once again ravaging lives, people losing jobs, children being left as orphans and losing access to quality education, the ANC government boldly decided to steal from the people with no reservation and consequence,” EFF MP Suzan Thembekwayo said.
Just days later, Mkhize drew the ire of MPs when he withdrew from appearing before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Health.
He faces questions after a Daily Maverick investigation found that:
- Digital Vibes is alleged to have paid R300 000 to “All That Trading”, a company owned by his son, Dedani
- The company is also said to have footed the bill for the maintenance work done on Mkhize’s plush townhouse in Bryanston, Johannesburg
- Mkhize Jr. was also allegedly bought a R160 000 Toyota Land Cruiser by Digital Vibes
