These are difficult times we find ourselves in, admits Health Department

Director General Sandile Buthelezi released a statement on Tuesday evening, hours after Health Minister Zweli Mkhize was placed on special leave pending an investigation into an R150 million tender between the Health Department and communications company Digital Vibes.

President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane to act in the position until further notice.

Although analysts and experts believe placing Mkhize on special leave is a setback to the country’s battle against Covid-19, Buthelezi assured South Africans that the department can manage the pandemic.

“It goes without saying that these are difficult times we find ourselves in.

As Director General, I wish to reassure the nation that we remain committed and capable of managing the COVID-19 pandemic; executing a ramped-up vaccination programme and running the national programmes as we are led by the Acting Minister of Health, Hon. Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane,” reads the statement by Buthelezi.

He says he was comforted by the milestone in Covid-19 vaccination.

“There are a number of developments on the vaccination front which we will communicate in a public webinar this week, on a date to be confirmed. However, our spirits were lifted today when we learnt that we have officially vaccinated over 1 million senior citizens aged 60 years and above under phase two.

We must convey our appreciation to the senior citizens who have, and continue, to come forward in their numbers to be vaccinated. We also thank all those who are responsible for the administration of the rollout for their grit and determination as we continue to ramp up the campaign.”

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