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The National Health Department said three officials who were suspended in 2021 over the Digital Vibes scandal, were found guilty of the charges against them during a disciplinary hearing.
They were suspended last year following the investigations by an independent forensic audit firm and the Special Investigating Unit into the awarding of a communications contract to Digital Vibes during the Covid19 pandemic.
It emerged that former Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize, had close ties to some of the company's directors.
Health Department spokesperson, Foster Mohale, said the Deputy Director General Dr Anban Pillay and suspended departmental spokesperson Popo Maja have been issued final written warnings and a salary level demotion for 12 months.
In addition, Pillay has been suspended for three months without pay.
Mohale says a third employee resigned with immediate effect.
"Shireen Pardesi proposed that she be allowed to resign from the department with immediate effect, and that was agreed by all parties and confirmed by the presiding officer."
Mohale says they also took into account the fact that all those charged were first-time offenders, and there was no evidence to suggest that they benefitted from the transactions.
(JacarandaFM)