The latest twist in the Digital Vibes saga could see former health minister Zweli Mkhize face criminal charges for his role in the awarding of a contract to the firm.
The possibility of criminal charges was brought up in a presentation to parliaments standing committee on public accounts (Scopa) by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). The SIU says Mkhize may have, “committed actions of criminality and failed to execute his function in compliance with the constitution, general oversight responsibilities in respect of the affairs of the national health department and obligations in terms of Section 63 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).”
According to the SIU, senior department of health officials did their best to ensure that Digital Vibes was awarded an R141 million tender while a more experienced firm put in a much lower bid that was R72 million cheaper.
National Treasury also tried its best to block the Digital Vibes deal and refused to sign off on the process, raising concerns about specific bidders.
SIU head Andy Mothibi referred 19 criminal matters to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) thus far, which includes relevant evidence about Digital Vibes.
Surely, Mkhize must have thought his resignation from his ministerial post last month might be his saving grace, falling in his sword and all that, but Mothibi says the resignation will not deter the SIU from its investigation.
And in markets news this morning, the rand continues to strengthen against the dollar with more than three per cent in gains since the beginning of last week. The rand is trading at R14.41/$, R17.06/€ and R19.85/£.
Here’s a roundup of the world’s top and most interesting headlines:
SA Business
Compromises reached with creditors,lessors resulted in debt reduction: SAA – SABC News
Tekkie Town owners’ long-awaited bid to have Steinhoff liquidated gets started – Fin24
Looted small businesses can get help from these govt relief packages – Business Insider SA
Global Business
Didi Creates Union, Setting Precedent for Xi’s Worker Agenda – Bloomberg
Apple Asks All U.S. Employees to Report Vaccination Status – Bloomberg
A Trump Organization executive will testify for a grand jury investigation into the company – Business Insider
Markets
European Central Bank to announce tapering in December, analysts say – CNBC
Gold Down Ahead of U.S. Jobs Report – Investigating.com
Tech stocks send Nasdaq to fresh record close, boost S&P – SABC News
Download the news aggregator app SAccess, available on Google Play and the App Store, to stay on top of business and market news from around the world.
