South Africa: DG Health suspended as a precaution

The Ministry of Health confirmed on Monday that Director General Dr. Sandile Buthelezi has been suspended for “precautionary suspension” after scathing allegations.

According to the ministry, this is until Buthelezi appears before a disciplinary hearing regarding his role in the Digital Vibes saga.

The matter relates to the controversial National Health Insurance (NHI) communications service contract for ZAR 150 million, valued by Digital Vibes.

In June, President Cyril Ramaphosa put former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize on special leave. He later resigned from his position “to bring security and stability to the portfolio”.

The department said the deputy director general for NHI, Dr. Nicholas Crisp, will continue to serve until the hearing is complete.

“There is no time frame for his suspension, it is now between him and the special investigation unit to clear his name,” the department told News24.

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