Zweli Mkhize

The 150-million-rand communications contract awarded to Digital Vibes by the Health Ministry was declared irregular in SIU litigation. The SIU alleges that Mkhize played a role in the process and that he, his wife, his son or related structures benefited from funds originating from the contract. In 2025, the Special Tribunal admitted new evidence alleging, among other things, 11.5 million rand in concealed transfers through purported cattle sales.

State of the evidence

Alleged

Attribution

Directly implicated

Mkhize was accused of facilitating a loan of approximately 220 million rand from the Public Investment Corporation to Afric Oil and demanding a commission or "facilitation fee" of approximately 4.5 million rand. The allegation led to a formal Public Protector investigation.

Attribution

Directly implicated

In 2006, Mkhize's wife obtained a loan of approximately 11.8 million rand from Ithala Development Finance Corporation to purchase a farm, together with working capital financing. Ithala was then under Mkhize's political responsibility as MEC for Finance and Economic Development. The episode raised suspicions of a conflict of interest and resurfaced during the Digital Vibes affair.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Before the Public Investment Corporation commission of inquiry, former chief executive Dan Matjila testified that in 2016 Mkhize, then ANC Treasurer-General, had asked him to help obtain funding linked to the party's 8 January celebrations. Matjila described the episode in the wider context of political pressure exerted on the public asset manager.

Attribution

Personally implicated

Redi Tlhabi's 2017 book about Fezekile "Khwezi" Kuzwayo alleged that Mkhize, who was close to the family, had attempted to persuade or manoeuvre Kuzwayo into withdrawing or weakening her rape allegation against Jacob Zuma. The allegation sparked national controversy over the use of political power surrounding the trial.

Attribution

Directly implicated

It emerged in 2013 that Mkhize had used 45 chartered aircraft or helicopter journeys during his term as KwaZulu-Natal Premier, costing approximately 1.2 million rand. Several trips involved weddings or funerals, prompting criticism of the use of public funds.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

During the trial concerning the murder of leader Sifiso Nkabinde, a defendant attributed to Mkhize a role in planning the murder and an alleged reward of 200,000 rand. Under cross-examination, the testimony was described as hearsay. Mkhize denied involvement and later sued Media24 after an article presented the allegation as more direct than it was.

Attribution

Directly implicated

In 1999, Mkhize was investigated over allegations of arms trafficking and a plot to kill IFP leader David Ntombela amid political violence in KwaZulu-Natal. Prosecutors confirmed the investigation, which fuelled intense political controversy.