Digital Vibes, cattle and Covid funds

SIU inquiry suggests former minister Zweli Mkhize laundered money through buying a farm

- Nkateko Joseph Mabasa

New forensic evidence revealed by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) shows how bogus cattle sales and questionable farming arrangements were allegedly used to channel money from the Digital Vibes contracts into the hands of former health minister Zweli Mkhize, his wife May and their son Dedani.

The evidence, presented before the Special Tribunal, shows that livestock deals were orchestrated to conceal at least R11.5 million derived from Digital Vibes — the company at the centre of a R150 million communications scandal during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mkhize had to resign as health minister in 2021 after revelations that his close associates had secured a lucrative tender for public awareness campaigns related to the pandemic and the National Health Insurance.

The SIU has been granted permission by the Special Tribunal to introduce the new evidence — which details how unsubstantiated cattle purchases were redirected to conceal funds received from Digital Vibes — in its case against Mkhize.

In 2021, the SIU found that Digital Vibe’s procurement process was “irregular” and the contracts reflected “systemic corruption” for personal enrichment.

Mkhize, who is still an MP and a member of the ANC’s national executive committee, has previously approached the high court to set aside the tribunal investigation and has denied involvement in corruption.

The SIU says it uncovered a scheme of money laundering through agriculture. Mateta Projects — a company linked to Mkhize — received funds channelled from Digital Vibes which were subsequently disguised as payments for cattle and a farm.