Graft-accused Popo Maja’s case postponed to November

JOHANNESBURG - Former Health spokesperson Popo Maja’s graft case has been postponed to November.

Maja is facing two counts of corruption linked to the Digital Vibes scandal.

He is accused of using his influence to channel a R140 million tender to the controversial company. 

Digital Vibes scored millions from government contracts around the National Health Insurance Bill (NHI) and the COVID-19 pandemic, which the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has since found were awarded via a flawed tender process.

An obscure Stanger-based company, it’s believed to be controlled by Tahera Mather and Naadhira Mitha - both one-time aids to former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize. The scandal ultimately saw him resign.

Maja sat on the bid specification and evaluation committees when Digital Vibes was awarded the tender, and was allegedly paid R15,000 by the company.

The case was on the roll for plea and trial on Monday, but it has now been postponed to 29 November.