SA authorities probe deal linked to health minister aides

South African authorities will investigate the awarding of contracts to a company that reportedly has links to two aides of Health Minister Zweli Mkhize.

The Special Investigating Unit is probing whether the Department of Health followed the correct procedures when it awarded the contracts, spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said Thursday by phone.

“We have received complaints on allegations around the procurement process at the Department of Health and are looking into them,” he said. “We are not specifically looking at allegations against any individuals.”

The Daily Maverick, a Johannesburg-based news website, reported on Wednesday that the aides to Mkhize benefited from a Covid-19 contract awarded by the government last year. Health Ministry spokeswoman Lwazi Manzi didn’t immediately respond to a mobile-phone text message sent by Bloomberg requesting comment.

Investigators are gathering information from all stakeholders, Kganyago said.

“We cannot say when the work will be completed, but we will prioritise it and ensure that we conclude as soon as possible,” he said.