President Ramaphosa must fire Minister Mkhize following SIU affidavit

30 July 2021

President Cyril Ramaphosa can no longer dither on the future of Dr Zweli Mkhize as Health Minister. The founding affidavit by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to the Special Tribunal has enough evidence for him to be fired.

The President no longer has an excuse to table the SIU report handed over to him three weeks ago. Clearly the SIU has revealed wrongdoing on the part of Minister Mkhize.

The SIU in an affidavit to the Special Tribunal says Mkhize repeatedly pressurised the Health Director​ General, Malebona Matsoso, to approve the irregular Digital Vibes contract. Mkhize also allegedly “directly and indirectly” benefited from the irregular contract, which bypassed proper procurement processes.

The SIU claims that “at best, this conduct on the part of the Minister was improper and, at worst, the conduct of the Minister was unlawful”. 

This is the final nail in the coffin for Mkhize. Now that the public knows what’s in the report the President must fire him. 

The DA calls on President Ramaphosa to show his mettle by cleaning up his Cabinet and appointing a permanent Minister of Health who is capable and beyond reproach.

We also welcome the move by the SIU to recoup the millions in public funds wasted on the Digital Vibes contract. This is another step closer to accountability for those involved in this scandal. The DA on 3 June also took the necessary steps to lay a criminal charge against both Minister Mkhize and the Director General of the Health Department. 

Not only should Mkhize be fired, he must also be criminally investigated and face the full might of the law should he be found guilty. 

Issued by Siviwe Gwarube, DA Shadow Minister of Health, 30 July 2021