Question NW1522 to the Minister of Health
02 September 2021 - NW1522
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
Whether his department made any payments to a certain company (name furnished) to co-ordinate its media appearances and interviews relating to the COVID-19 global pandemic and/or any other subject matter and/or function; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) are the full, relevant details and (b) is the total breakdown of the payments made in each specified case?
Reply:
Yes, the Department did make payments to Digital Vibes.
a) Digital Vibes was appointed on the 15th of November 2019 through a deviation process, which was approved by National Treasury, to provide communication services in relation to the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill as released by the Cabinet for Parliament consideration. On the 25th of March 2020, the Department extended the scope of work of Digital Vibes to include Covid-19. This was done in accordance with the Emergency Procurement rules issued by National Treasury for COVID-19 Procurement.
b) The following table reflects the details in this regard.
END.