Digital Vibes scandal: Health Dept communications boss in court
The Chief Director of Communications at the Health Department Popo Maja has been charged with corruption in connection with the Digital Vibes tender scandal.
An SIU investigation found the awarding of the R150 million-rand contract granted to the KZN-based communications company was irregular.
Digital Vibes is understood to be run by former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize's former personal assistant.
Maja, who is also the department's former spokesperson, has been charged with two counts of corruption for allegedly accepting bribes.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana says he handed himself over to police on Wednesday morning and appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
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"These charges are in relation to the amount of money that was paid to him by Digital Vibes a total of R15 000. The payments were done twice, the first amount was R10 000 in November 2019 and the second amount was R5 000."
Mahanjana explained what Maja's alleged role in the awarding of the coastguard was.
"The State is alleging that Maja formed part of a committee that was to sit and appoint a service provider to provide communication services for the Department of Health in relation to the national health insurance bill. So on the day, Digital Vibes was appointed as the service provider it is allegedly that Maja then received the first payment."
She says he's been granted bail of R5 000.
