President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences to the families and friends of the people who lost their lives in Phoenix, north of Durban, in the past few weeks.<\/P>
Speaking at the Gallagher Estate vaccination centre on Thursday, President Ramaphosa said the Phoenix matter is being examined.<\/P>
\u201cObviously, we\u2019re very worried about what happened in Phoenix. It has evoked a lot of feelings on all sides. People\u2019s lives were lost.\u201d<\/P>
In total 330 lives were lost during the unrest in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.<\/P>
Of these deaths, 23 were in Phoenix, north of Durban, were suspected vigilantism trumped communities protecting their properties from the looting that left many businesses and buildings gutted.<\/P>
President Ramaphosa acknowledged the deep hurt that many people are feeling and said government empathises with them.<\/P>
\u201cSome of the incidents that took place in Phoenix are simply what we don\u2019t want to have in our country, where there was a measure of vigilantism and targeting of people.<\/P>
\u201cAnd so, I also pay my condolences to the people who have lost their loved ones.\u201d<\/P>
The looting and arson attacks are said to have cost the KwaZulu-Natal economy more than R20 billion, while 150 000 jobs are on the line.<\/P>
He assured citizens that government was attending to the Phoenix matter at a political level and security and criminal justice structures.<\/P>
\u201cThe Phoenix matter remains front of mind and we want to examine it in all its aspect to see precisely what type of way forward we chart.\u201d<\/P>
Digital Vibes report<\/P>
In addition, the President said he has received the report by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) on an investigation into a contract between the Department of Health and Digital Vibes.<\/P>
\u201cHave I finished reading the report? Yes, I have. Certain aspects need to be completed and once those are completed I\u2019ll be able to come out and give my view on it,\u201d he told the journalists.<\/P>
The matter relates to the R150 million COVID-19 and National Health Insurance communications service contract scored by Digital Vibes.<\/P>
Last month, President Ramaphosa placed Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, on special leave.<\/P>
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Source: South African Government News Agency<\/P>
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