Sunday Tribune

‘SIU probe unprofessional’

SAMKELO MTSHALI samkelo.thulasizwe@inl.co.za

BATTLE lines have been drawn between the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and Health Minister Zweli Mkhize’s son, Dedanimabhunu, after Mkhize junior accused the SIU of being unprofessional and biased in handling its probe into his involvement in the Digital Vibes saga.

The tiff between Dedanimabhunu and the investigating unit comes in the wake of papers filed by the SIU at the Special Tribunal to have the contract awarded by the Department of Health to Digital Vibes reviewed and set aside, and to recover money belonging to the state.

The SIU’S report has found Dedanimabhunu benefited to the tune of R3.8 million, while his father received R6.7m from the controversial R150m contract awarded to Digital Vibes.

However, Mkhize junior has denied ever benefiting from the contract, although he did acknowledge that he had a relationship with Tahera Mather, his father’s long-time spokesperson, who was also listed as a director of Digital Vibes alongside Mkhize’s former personal assistant, Naadhira Mitha.

Dedanimabhunu also confirmed that his relationship with Mather had involved exchanges of money, although this was not from any of her business dealings.

“To assume that past financial exchanges mean I benefit in her business dealings seems to be a desperate attempt to sensationalise matters,” Dedanimabhunu said.

He said he was disappointed in the way the SIU had dealt with him during its investigation into the Digital Vibes contract saga. “To say that its dealings have been nothing short of unprofessional and biased would be an understatement. Frankly, the SIU report relies on media reportings (sic), not a tested legal process. I categorically deny ever receiving R3.8m, and this submission in the SIU'S court papers is false.

“From the outset, when my alleged involvement in the debacle was cited, I voluntarily approached the SIU with the assistance of an attorney offering my availability to co-operate with the investigation process. I also informed them of an affidavit I had already deposed dealing with allegations in the media.”

However, the SIU’S spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, rebutted Mkhize’s claims as an attempt to put the SIU’S integrity and credibility into question.

“He further claims he was never afforded an opportunity to clear his name, nor notified about the papers filed at the Special Tribunal. Mr Mkhize also acknowledges having received money from Ms Tahera Mather, one of the key individuals in the running of the communication firm that scored a R150m contract to do a Covid-19 media campaign.

“The SIU would like to place it on record that Mr Mkhize made written submissions, which were thoroughly considered as part of the investigation. It can therefore not be true that he was not afforded an opportunity to be heard.

“Mr Mkhize is cited as a respondent in the papers before the Special Tribunal, and he will have a further opportunity to explain the circumstances under which the money was exchanged with Ms Mather,” Kganyago said, who added that outcomes of investigations were evidence-based. “The SIU will always do its work with integrity, without fear or favour. We will not allow anyone to question our integrity and impartiality without any valid reason.”

When contacted yesterday, Dedanimabhunu said that he was busy and requested that he only be called today, while his father’s phone rang unanswered.

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2021-08-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-08-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://sundaytribune.pressreader.com/article/281513639195028

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