South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, has defended former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, despite denying corruption allegations against him. The president cited Mkhize’s contribution to the health sector, emphasizing his role in addressing the Covid-19 pandemic.
He also asked South Africans to be more considerate as the former leader had served the country well.
An investigation by the country’s Special Investigating Unit found Dr Mkhize guilty of a lack of oversight, in the scandal involving the awarding of a 10m $ Covid-19 communication contract.
People will say hitherto we have been very light on taking action against people who have done some wrong. We are now doing things differently.
We are after up and… we may not really be able to do it with the pace and the intensity that you may want to see but, truth be told, we are acting on it,” he said.
Ramaphosa added: “Our slowness, our stickling for process, should not be misunderstood for being reluctant and not wanting to do it. It should be seen for what it is, and that we are determined to do it.”