We welcome the Report of the Special Investigating Unit(SIU) on the National Department of Health (NDOH) Digital Vibes contract Proclamation No. R 23 of 2020. We urge President Cyril Ramaphosa to act swiftly in order to restore public confidence and send a strong signal that we are serious about stamping out corruption.
The report highlights the extent to which those involved in the Digital Vibes saga went to circumvent the good governance standards and the precepts and procedures for public procurement. In the process the SIU Report alleges that those in high office, their subordinates and service providers allegedly made themselves guilty of corruption, fraud, money laundering amongst other charges. These charges are of a serious nature and have severe consequences in law. The law must therefore take its cause and justice must be seen to be served.
We call for the trial, prosecution and arrest of all those found guilty in accordance with the SIU Report and for the recovery of all proceeds of crime so that a clear message goes out to all in the public sector that crime does not pay.
We likewise appeal to all South Africans who engage as providers of goods and services to the public sector to not allow themselves to become accessories to crime aimed at defrauding the public purse of valuable resources earmarked for critical service delivery.
We call on President Ramaphosa to ensure that the recommendations of the SIU Report are acted upon judiciously and that all culprits be brought to book. This is vital for building hope, renewal and confidence in South Africa and it’s leadership.
The Royal House of Mandela is committed to upholding the life and legacy of President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. We strive to build a better South Africa, a United Africa and a just world order that upholds human rights for all. Accordingly, we support the causes that he supported and strive to advocate the values for which he stood.
Nkosi Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela, chief of the Mvezo Traditional Council and grandson of famed South African President Nelson Mandela. Member of Parliament (MP) South Africa National Assembly. All articles by Nkosi Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela
