The deal, which involved the procurement of an immune booster for soldiers during the Covid-19 pandemic, has come under scrutiny following allegations that due process was not followed.

An investigation by the SIU revealed that the agreement was signed after the medicine had already been delivered, and the drugs were not approved by the SA Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). SIU Spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago explained the findings and the steps being taken to address the issue.

"We looked at it and found that there was something to investigate, and we found that. We then included SAHPRA, which is a health professional, and they indicated that the drug was not fit for the purpose. But money has already been paid, and I think the contract was 217 million rand, and it was not even used. The bulk of it was sent back after we indicated to them that the processes followed were not correct and that the drug was not fit for purpose. Therefore, it was sent back. Now we need to get the money back from the Cuban government," Kganyago said.

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--