SA caught in global crime surge
According to the Nasdaq Verafin 2024 Global Financial Crime Report, criminals made off with over $3.1-trillion worldwide in 2023.
And South Africa wasn't spared.
The local economy took a hit of more than R3-billion last year due to financial crime.
President of the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators, Christo Snyman, said financial crime in South Africa is a massive problem.
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Daily Maverick
39 minutes ago
- Daily Maverick
The cost of exposing a bribe
This isn't a script for a thriller. It's what actually happened. Earlier this year, Daily Maverick's investigative team got wind of a highlevel scheme involving the Independent Development Trust (IDT) – a state-owned entity that spends R4-billion annually on schools and clinics. Our work showed that this budget is being wasted through dodgy tenders and skimming, resulting in the suspension of the CEO, Tebogo Malaka. Sign up to be a member of Daily Maverick When it became clear that our investigation into Malaka's illicitly acquired property portfolio was still ongoing, WhatsApp messages to chief muckraker Pieter-Louis Myburgh arrived, asking to meet and discuss 'sensitive matters' of 'mutual interests'. These 'mutual interests' came in the form of bound R200 notes in a Dior shopping bag. R60,000 in cash. And the promise of more to come. Not done in a clandestine or dark corner. Handed brazenly to our journalist in broad daylight to kill an ongoing story and to start publishing favourable stories about the IDT and its leadership. And what did we do? We didn't just walk into that trap. We consulted lawyers and advocates to ensure our work was procedurally sound. We briefed security to ensure the safety of Pieter-Louis. We planned surveillance. We rehearsed safety protocols. We prepared affidavits. We recorded everything. The operation cost us more than R200,000. Not including the adrenaline. And the worry that one of our team may be physically assaulted, or worse, if this went badly. The result? A sting operation. With videographic evidence and a story that pulled back the velvet curtain on how far corruption goes to silence journalism. Here's the truth: Good journalism isn't free. It doesn't just happen behind a keyboard and screen. It costs time. It takes many resources. Sometimes it costs safety. But what does it give us? A fighting chance to protect our institutions that are supposed to be serving our people – our schools. Our future. Support the newsroom that said no to hush money. That couldn't be bought. Become a Maverick Insider member today. Not just because it costs a lot to produce but because this is journalism working for the benefit of all South Africans. Your contribution helps us: – Fund investigations like this one – Pay for lawyers, security, editing and more – So we can publish the truth that defends our country
IOL News
10 hours ago
- IOL News
ANC councillor under investigation for alleged nepotism and corruption in R29bn SANRAL highway project
In June, IOL investigations revealed that Mkhize and his wife, Nkule MaKhuzwayo, were implicated in a separate set of allegations involving payments from Base Major Joint Venture CSC, a Chinese-led consortium working on the N3 upgrade. Image: Facebook / Sanral Msunduzi Municipality politician Sibusiso Mkhize is at the centre of a growing corruption scandal over alleged nepotism, bribery and abuse of power in connection with the R29 billion SANRAL upgrade of the N3 highway between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. Mkhize, the long-serving ANC councillor for Ward 14, was appointed by Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla to serve on the Project Liaison Committee (PLC) for the massive infrastructure project, which forms part of the government's Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) initiative. 'Many of his employees are there purely because of nepotism,' a source said. 'This includes his son, Sthabiso Mkhize, and three maternal family members. This favouritism has sidelined poor, deserving, and qualified community members, fuelling widespread frustration and disillusionment.' Local sources also allege the existence of a 'pay-to-work' scheme, where job-seekers are expected to pay bribes of up to R3,000 to be considered for positions on the project. Residents of Mkhondeni and Willowfontein say they fear speaking out, citing Mkhize's alleged connections to influential taxi bosses. There are further claims that a company allegedly linked to Mkhize - via a friend acting as a front -is profiting financially from the highway project, raising serious concerns about conflicts of interest and procurement irregularities. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Allegations that Mkhize enjoys protection from higher municipal authorities compound the community's fears. 'It's a climate of fear; he appears to be shielded by municipal superiors,' one source added. Further concerns involve Mkhize's ownership of a company, allegedly fronted by a friend, which benefits financially from the project, raising serious conflict of interest questions and doubts about ethical governance. In June, IOL investigations revealed that Mkhize and his wife, Nkule MaKhuzwayo, were implicated in a separate set of allegations involving payments from Base Major Joint Venture CSC, a Chinese-led consortium working on the N3 upgrade. One source alleged that bribes exceeding R169,000 were paid into MaKhuzwayo's bank account, with ongoing monthly transfers of R25,000. Evidence suggests illicit dealings between local politicians and a Chinese joint venture, Base Major Joint Venture CSC, which could compromise the integrity of the R29 billion upgrade connecting Durban and Pietermaritzburg. The upgrade, part of South Africa's Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs), aims to alleviate congestion, improve safety, and support economic growth by expanding the freeway from four to six lanes, with plans for eight lanes at key interchanges. The project is expected to create over 33,500 jobs and allocate R8.8 billion to black-owned enterprises. When approached for comment, both Mkhize and his son, Sthabiso declined to respond. Speaker of the Msunduzi Council, Eunice Majola, confirmed that the allegations are under internal investigation. 'The matter was referred to our internal audit for investigation. As the Council, we decided that it should be investigated internally. If the findings of the investigation warrant escalation, then that will happen at that time. For now, we are awaiting the outcome of the internal Audit unit which is investigating the matter into the alleged activities of Mr Mkhize.' Earlier in June, Msunduzi Mayor Thebolla acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations but emphasised that Mkhize's role was strictly as a municipal representative. 'He was nominated to the Project Liaison Committee by the municipality, but recent nominations have replaced him,' the mayor clarified. 'These allegations do not reflect well on the municipality.' SANRAL spokesperson Lwando Mahlasela confirmed that the national agency was actively investigating the claims. 'SANRAL takes these allegations very seriously. We are reviewing the situation and will communicate our findings once the investigation is complete.' The N3 project aims to improve transportation infrastructure, foster job creation, and support economic inclusion, but recent revelations threaten to undermine public trust. Some of the opposition parties in the municipalities are calling for urgent intervention. The EFF's member of Council Chuma Wakeni stated, 'The matter has been referred to the ethics committee, but delays are damaging the municipality's reputation. We need decisive action.' The ACDP's Rienus Niemand added, 'The SIU is investigating allegations of a widespread racket involving selling jobs and extortion. 'Low-level jobs are sold at R500, and prices increase with job levels. Several councillors are said to be involved. Niemand called for the "Immediate prosecution of involved individuals, which is essential to restore integrity.' Last month, Thebolla survived an opposition-led motion to investigate his alleged role in maladministration and procurement irregularities. The motion, which was listed under confidential items on the council agenda, draws on claims made by former municipal manager Lulamile Mapholoba during his defence against suspension proceedings early last year. The DA had submitted a motion to Speaker Majola's office earlier this June, calling for a probe into the mayor's conduct. The Speaker indicated the matter would need to be presented to the full council for consideration. In his presentation, Mapholoba accused Thebolla of making unilateral financial and administrative decisions under the city manager's or council's jurisdiction. He allegedly bypassed due processes in decision-making, including the irregular awarding of contracts and authorisations involving municipal funds. IOL Politics
Daily Maverick
17 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
Minister Macpherson to address media as exposé of IDT officials' bribery bid reverberates across SA
Minister of Public Works Dean Macpherson is expected to respond to the details of an explosive exposé by Daily Maverick of an attempted bribery of one of its investigative journalists by the suspended Independent Development Trust CEO and her spokesperson. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has called for suspended Independent Development Trust (IDT) CEO Tebogo Malaka and her spokesperson Phasha Makgolane to face the law 'if they are implicated in bribery'. Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works Dean Macpherson is expected to address the media on Thursday following an explosive exposé by Daily Maverick of an attempted bribery of one of its investigative journalists by the two IDT officials. On Tuesday, Daily Maverick carried video footage and recordings of this blatant attempt to bribe its journalist, Pieter-Louis Myburgh. Suspended IDT CEO Malaka and spokesperson Makgolane attempted to pay Daily Maverick investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh R60,000 in cash over the weekend to suppress an investigation into Malaka's personal dealings and questionable IDT contracts. The IDT, a very important, if lesser known, government body, spends upwards of R4-billion each year on social infrastructure projects, such as building schools and clinics, and falls under the Ministry of Public Works. Macpherson last week released a forensic report into a R836-million oxygen tender awarded to a ghost company that was first exposed by Daily Maverick. The report recommended that Malaka be suspended. Malaka was placed on precautionary suspension on Friday. Now Macpherson's remarks at Wednesday's briefing are expected to set the tone for the government's broader response. The attempted bribe, which took place during a meeting in Stellenbosch, was captured on camera. Myburgh photographed the cash, delivered in a white Dior shopping bag, and recorded video and audio of the exchange. Makgolane also sweetened the offer with promises of R100,000 in monthly payments and influence over IDT tenders. In a statement on the briefing, his department confirmed that Macpherson would respond directly to the 'serious allegations by Daily Maverick that Malaka sought to bribe journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh'. Posting to social platform X yesterday morning, Macpherson said he planned to consult with the IDT board later in the day. The statement also warned that the matter appeared to be part of 'what is now likely a paid-for public campaign aimed at discrediting [Macpherson's] efforts to bring stability and good governance to the entity'. It suggests deeper political and institutional tensions may be at play, especially as Macpherson has been spearheading reform efforts at the IDT. On 22 January, the EFF accused Macpherson of 'brazen and corrupt interference' in IDT affairs, citing an incident where he allegedly instructed staff to process a questionable payment to a construction company. The party claimed that Macpherson had unfairly targeted Malaka and used the PSA oxygen plant tender as a pretext for political interference. EFF secretary-general Marshall Dlamini opened a criminal case of corruption against the minister on 22 January 2025. IDT promises full response While remaining tight-lipped on the details, IDT spokesperson Lerato Modisana said the IDT acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations. The IDT board convened on Wednesday, 6 August, to 'deliberate comprehensively on these matters'. However, Modisana said the IDT was not at this stage in a position to respond to specific media enquiries. The organisation pledged to uphold 'transparency, accountability and good governance' and promised that 'a detailed response will be provided in due course, once the board has fully considered all the relevant facts and implications'. What everyone wants to know Daily Maverick's exposé has garnered significant attention from other media, including radio broadcasts. Readers applauded Myburgh's efforts, while some wondered at the sheer audacity of the brazen bribery attempt. Reader Eddie Maulson summed it up: 'One is gobsmacked at the lack of thought that went into this outrageous attempt at bribery, not to mention the effrontery that these individuals show in their lamentable assumption that they could bribe a man of PLM's integrity in such a crass manner.' A history of red flags Malaka was already under scrutiny, having been placed on precautionary suspension days before the footage emerged on 1 August 2025, following the release of a PwC forensic report into the R836-million PSA oxygen plant project. That report, spurred by Daily Maverick investigations in October 2024, recommended disciplinary action for Malaka, citing her failure to prevent or address serious violations in the project's procurement. The IDT has long struggled with governance and accountability, facing repeated criticism over failed projects and procurement lapses, eroding public confidence in the agency's leadership. DM
