This after the Mail & Guardian claimed at least R1 million from the irregular communications tender was funnelled into Diko’s personal bank account. 

The publication also claimed that the SIU had sent a letter to the president Cyril Ramaphosa’s office, flagging the irregular transaction.

But on Monday the SIU rejected the claims.

“The SIU would like to put it on record that we have not sent any letter or report to the President’s office, in relation to this matter, as alleged in the report,” said SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago.

“The report by the Mail and Guardian is misleading the public as the investigation on this matter is ongoing and the SIU will submit the report to the President once the investigation is concluded.”

The Digital Vibes tender gripped the country earlier this year, at a time when the country was ravaged by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

At the end of September, the SIU released a report detailing Health Minister Zweli Mkhize’s involvement in the dodgy tender.

The report showed Mkhize approved budgets amounting to approximately R132 million in respect of the NHI – and Covid-19 media campaigns.

Mkhize signed R46 million in 52 days after the contract between the Health Department and Digital Vibes had already been signed.

He later resigned from office but vowed to take the report on judicial review. 

It’s understood the SIU is still looking into more evidence, even though they have handed over the report to Ramaphosa.