News24 reports that the Democratic Alliance (DA) wants a probe into Health Minister Zweli Mkhize's appointment of his niece as his chief of staff.  

On Monday, The Citizen reported that Mkhize had appointed Sibusisiwe Ngubane Zulu, who is a qualified advocate, as his chief of staff.  Through a spokesperson, Mkhize has defended the appointment.  Last year, allegations against Zulu from her time as a board member of the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) emerged from a whistleblower.  It was alleged that businessman Lawrence Mulaudzi's romantic relationship with Zulu had helped him clinch deals with the PIC.  DA health spokesperson Siviwe Gwarube said on Monday that her party would request an urgent investigation by the Public Service Commission (PSC) into Zulu's appointment.  "It is essential that the appointment of a family member that has been suspected of corruption is investigated thoroughly in order to ascertain whether due process relating to recruitment procedures were complied with," Gwarube said.  She noted that Zulu was "fingered in the mismanagement and misappropriation of billions of rands" while working for the PIC.  "While these allegations have never amounted to criminal charges levelled against Zulu, her appointment in the Minister's office is deeply problematic," Gwarube said.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jan Gerber at News24

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