Latest news with #ThuliMadonsela
The Star
06-08-2025
- Business
- The Star
WhatsApp is curbing scam networks by banning millions of malicious accounts
Masabata Mkwananzi | Published 1 hour ago WhatsApp has ramped up its global efforts to combat criminal scam networks, removing millions of malicious accounts and launching enhanced in-app safety tools to safeguard users from fraud and deception. The tech giant revealed that over the past six months, it proactively identified and banned more than 6.8 million accounts tied to criminal scam syndicates. These swift actions halted scammers before they could roll out their fraudulent schemes, safeguarding millions of users from potential harm. In 2023, former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela fell victim to a WhatsApp scam. On June 7, she revealed on X (formerly known as Twitter) that both she and a friend lost thousands of rand after a scammer took over the WhatsApp account of a mutual friend to trick them. 'He was pretending to be that friend. It was only when the scammer became so greedy and brazen that my son and I figured out the scam and warned other friends. WhatsApp ID theft or hacking is real,' she tweeted. WhatsApp highlighted that scammers usually work from criminal scam centres running various schemes simultaneously, such as fraudulent cryptocurrency investments and pyramid schemes. They often ask for upfront payments to guarantee returns, which serves as a major warning sign. These scams start on platforms like dating apps or through texts, then shift to social media, messaging apps like WhatsApp, and finally to payment or crypto platforms. 'This multi-platform approach is designed to evade detection by individual services, making comprehensive disruption more challenging.' Kojo Boakye, Meta's Vice President of Public Policy for Africa, the Middle East, and Türkiye, highlighted that combating scams is an ongoing challenge. He stated that they are continuously improving their security measures to stay one step ahead of malicious actors. "This is part of our unwavering commitment to protect our users, not just by banning malicious accounts, but by empowering individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to recognise and avoid these sophisticated threats. We believe that a safer messaging environment is built through a combination of robust technology, proactive detection, and user education," he said. The company also highlighted a recent example of cross-industry teamwork, where WhatsApp, Meta, and OpenAI worked together to dismantle a scam ring based in Cambodia. The group exploited ChatGPT to craft initial messages that guided victims to WhatsApp, before swiftly shifting them to Telegram. There, victims were instructed to like videos on TikTok and were ultimately pressured into depositing funds into cryptocurrency accounts. In light of emerging threats, WhatsApp is introducing new anti-scam tools alongside its efforts to dismantle scam operations. These features are specifically designed to defend users against common scam techniques: Group Messaging: A new safety overview will now appear when a user is added to an unfamiliar group by someone not in their contacts. This overview provides key group information and safety tips, allowing users to exit the group without viewing the chat. Notifications from such groups will be silenced until the user explicitly chooses to engage. Individual Messaging: WhatsApp is testing new approaches to caution users before they engage with unknown contacts. This includes providing additional context about the sender when initiating a chat with someone not in their contacts, enabling users to make informed decisions. Furthermore, WhatsApp encourages users to adopt a 'Pause, Question, Verify' approach when faced with suspicious messages. The strategy includes taking a moment to assess the sender's identity, questioning the legitimacy of the request, and verifying the information through alternate communication channels. Late last year, in 2024, the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) issued a warning to the public about fraudulent WhatsApp messages circulating across the country. The Department of Social Development entity cautioned people to be vigilant against fake messages containing Sassa OTP codes sent through WhatsApp. Sassa clarified that it does not send OTP codes for the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant via WhatsApp, and they urged anyone receiving such messages to be wary, as these are likely scams.
IOL News
06-08-2025
- IOL News
WhatsApp is curbing scam networks by banning millions of malicious accounts
WhatsApp is removing millions of malicious accounts and launching enhanced in-app safety tools to fight fraud and deception. Image: Freepik WhatsApp has ramped up its global efforts to combat criminal scam networks, removing millions of malicious accounts and launching enhanced in-app safety tools to safeguard users from fraud and deception. The tech giant revealed that over the past six months, it proactively identified and banned more than 6.8 million accounts tied to criminal scam syndicates. These swift actions halted scammers before they could roll out their fraudulent schemes, safeguarding millions of users from potential harm. In 2023, former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela fell victim to a WhatsApp scam. On June 7, she revealed on X (formerly known as Twitter) that both she and a friend lost thousands of rand after a scammer took over the WhatsApp account of a mutual friend to trick them. 'He was pretending to be that friend. It was only when the scammer became so greedy and brazen that my son and I figured out the scam and warned other friends. WhatsApp ID theft or hacking is real,' she tweeted. 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. 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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 ✕ WhatsApp highlighted that scammers usually work from criminal scam centres running various schemes simultaneously, such as fraudulent cryptocurrency investments and pyramid schemes. They often ask for upfront payments to guarantee returns, which serves as a major warning sign. These scams start on platforms like dating apps or through texts, then shift to social media, messaging apps like WhatsApp, and finally to payment or crypto platforms. 'This multi-platform approach is designed to evade detection by individual services, making comprehensive disruption more challenging.' Kojo Boakye, Meta's Vice President of Public Policy for Africa, the Middle East, and Türkiye, highlighted that combating scams is an ongoing challenge. He stated that they are continuously improving their security measures to stay one step ahead of malicious actors. "This is part of our unwavering commitment to protect our users, not just by banning malicious accounts, but by empowering individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to recognise and avoid these sophisticated threats. We believe that a safer messaging environment is built through a combination of robust technology, proactive detection, and user education," he said. The company also highlighted a recent example of cross-industry teamwork, where WhatsApp, Meta, and OpenAI worked together to dismantle a scam ring based in Cambodia. The group exploited ChatGPT to craft initial messages that guided victims to WhatsApp, before swiftly shifting them to Telegram. There, victims were instructed to like videos on TikTok and were ultimately pressured into depositing funds into cryptocurrency accounts. In light of emerging threats, WhatsApp is introducing new anti-scam tools alongside its efforts to dismantle scam operations. These features are specifically designed to defend users against common scam techniques: Group Messaging: A new safety overview will now appear when a user is added to an unfamiliar group by someone not in their contacts. This overview provides key group information and safety tips, allowing users to exit the group without viewing the chat. Notifications from such groups will be silenced until the user explicitly chooses to engage. Individual Messaging: WhatsApp is testing new approaches to caution users before they engage with unknown contacts. This includes providing additional context about the sender when initiating a chat with someone not in their contacts, enabling users to make informed decisions. Furthermore, WhatsApp encourages users to adopt a 'Pause, Question, Verify' approach when faced with suspicious messages. The strategy includes taking a moment to assess the sender's identity, questioning the legitimacy of the request, and verifying the information through alternate communication channels. Late last year, in 2024, the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) issued a warning to the public about fraudulent WhatsApp messages circulating across the country. The Department of Social Development entity cautioned people to be vigilant against fake messages containing Sassa OTP codes sent through WhatsApp. Sassa clarified that it does not send OTP codes for the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant via WhatsApp, and they urged anyone receiving such messages to be wary, as these are likely scams. The Social Security Agency (SASSA) issued a warning about fraudulent WhatsApp messages. Image: Screenshot. Former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela fell victim to a WhatsApp scam. Image: Screenshot.
Daily Maverick
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Nine Wasted Years: State Capture and the failure to implement the Zondo Commission's recommendations
The Zondo Commission provides a valuable framework to eradicate State Capture and we must begin implementing its recommendations. We simply cannot afford another nine wasted years. This year marks nine years since advocate Thuli Madonsela released the ' State of Capture ' report and three years since the 'State Capture Commission' came to an end. R1-billion was spent on the State Capture Commission, yet we still have no significant progress in addressing State Capture cases. What we do have is multiple excuses from institutions tasked with implementing the commission's findings and recommendations. The Civil Society Working Group on State Capture has been tracking the implementation of the findings of the commission, and what we have found is a generally lacklustre approach to addressing State Capture. How can we expect corruption and State Capture to be eradicated if we are failing to implement the most basic of recommendations that were set out in the commission's report? The Zondo Commission The Zondo Commission, led by Former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, was a commission of inquiry into allegations of State Capture, corruption and fraud in the public sector, including organs of State. It came about from the findings of former public protector Madonsela, who looked into allegations of crooked appointments of Cabinet ministers, directors and awarding of state contracts and other benefits. Her key recommendation was the appointment of a judicial commission of inquiry headed by a judge. The terms of reference of the Zondo Commission were very broad in scope, with the commission being appointed to investigate matters of public interest concerning allegations of State Capture, corruption and fraud. The commission found that State Capture did indeed take place between 2009-2018, the so-called 'nine wasted years' of the Jacob Zuma administration. The commission made extensive recommendations, some specific and focused and others much broader and far-reaching, including recommendations for the investigation and potential prosecution of some individuals and reform of various government processes and institutions. During this year's State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed some of the progress being made in addressing State Capture. According to Ramaphosa's address, the SIU and Asset Forfeiture Unit had recovered R10-billion in State Capture-related cases. Ramaphosa also said that Parliament would introduce two key pieces of legislation relating to State Capture, one on combating money laundering and the other on protecting whistle-blowers. What is being done to ensure State Capture is addressed? Asset Recoveries The commission recommended coordinated action from various law enforcement entities including the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU), the Independent Police Investigate Directorate (Ipid), the Hawks, the Financial Intelligence Centre, South African Revenue Service (Sars), Reserve Bank, and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to achieve the recovery of monies lost to State Capture. The progress in recoveries is very slow – only R10-billion has been recovered from State Capture investigations. The money that the state spent that was tainted by State Capture amounted to R57-billion, with Eskom and Transnet's fraudulent contracts making up the biggest chunk. Of this money, the Guptas received R15-billion. Some estimate that the true cost of State Capture and corruption during that period is in fact R500-billion. So the recoveries are a really small fraction of the cost of State Capture and corruption. Combating money laundering At the end of 2022, Parliament passed the General Laws (Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing) Amendment Act, to avoid the 'greylisting' of South Africa by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). This was an important move toward ensuring financial transparency. However, the challenge is ensuring the beneficial ownership register is functional, accurate and accessible. This year, the President said South Africa would strengthen the legislation with further legislative and systemic improvements. It should include these elements. Whistle-blower protection Most of the evidence from the Zondo Commission came from whistle-blowers, and the commission was very clear in its recommendations relating to whistle-blowers, detailed in Part I Volume 4. However, to date, the whistle-blower legislation framework remains incomplete. In July 2023, the Department of Justice released a discussion document outlining proposed reforms. While the document includes several commendable proposals aligned with the Zondo Commission recommendations and civil society submissions, it fails to consolidate the existing complex and inconsistent legal framework, which remains a major obstacle for whistle-blowers. Additionally, it dismisses the idea of offering incentives to whistle-blowers. Civil society has argued that the proposed legislation is inadequate, and the outcome of the legislation to be introduced remains uncertain. Parliament The commission highlighted how parliamentarians failed in their duty to hold the executive accountable and prevent State Capture. Despite the commission's damning findings, MPs continue to neglect their responsibilities, prioritising party loyalty over the public good. Once again, we see most MPs not implementing the commission's recommendations and essentially not recognising the importance of the process to strengthen democracy. Many seem unaware that they play an important oversight role over the Presidency and the appointment to SOEs and legislative reform. Outa has closely monitored parliamentary activities and believes that Parliament's ongoing failure to combat State Capture and entrenched corruption remains a major threat to democracy. Some of the accused in the State Capture Commission, like Lucky Montana, Brian Molefe and Siyabonga Gama, are serving as MPs in Parliament for the uMkhonto Wesizwe party. Cedric Frolick, David Mahlobo and Malusi Gigaba serve as MPs for the African National Congress (ANC). These MPs oversee the institutions they are accused of collapsing and oversee the implementation of the Zondo Commission recommendations. Only a small number, such as Zizi Kodwa, have been held accountable, though with limited consequences. Criminal Justice System (National Prosecutions Authority) Most of the recommendations of the Zondo Commission were for further investigations and prosecutions. No high-profile politician or corporation has been successfully prosecuted. Even with enough evidence, the NPA has failed to prosecute major State Capture cases like Prasa, Transnet and Eskom. Moreover, the collapse of the extradition of the Gupta brothers and the implosion of the Nulane case raise serious concerns around the NPA's effectiveness in handling State Capture cases. The bungling of high-profile State Capture cases is unfortunate, because it shows that elites can get away with impunity because the state is failing. What should we be doing? Without fully addressing State Capture at all levels, we continue a cycle of establishing commissions of inquiry without making the systemic change needed for non-repetition. We need to ensure that State Capture is fully addressed. For this to happen, all state parties need to come on board and do their part. As for civil society, we will continue to apply pressure to state institutions and corporations to take accountability and redress their role in State Capture. The Civil Society Working Group on State Capture will continue tracking the implementation of Justice Zondo's recommendations, and we will be coordinating campaigns on whistle-blower legislation and keeping an eye on the upcoming NDPP appointment process. We simply cannot afford another nine wasted years. We need to spotlight the anniversary of the Zondo Commission to track the progress of State Capture and to keep the conversation concerning State Capture on the national agenda. The true impact and cost of State Capture will never be understood. Its severe impact will continue to be felt by the most vulnerable in our society for years to come. The Zondo Commission provides a valuable framework to eradicate State Capture, and we ought to begin implementing its recommendations now. DM Letlhogonolo Letshele is a campaigner at Open Secrets and represents Open Secrets and the Civil Society Working Group on State Capture. Open Secrets is a non-profit organisation which exposes and builds accountability for private-sector economic crimes through investigative research, advocacy and the law. To support our work, including the investigations that go into the Unaccountable series, visit Support Open Secrets.
The Citizen
01-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Dick Foxton: A man who made influence personal
Dick Foxton thrived on human connection, proving old-school charm could still trump modern tech in building bridges. I am now at an age where I get irrationally enraged at the lack of human interaction in much that I used to rely upon real people for. From opening bank accounts to submitting tax returns, making bookings, even checking in for flights; there's an app for that. It's tedious, time consuming and strange the first time you have to do it, none of which are happy places for the 60 and over. But if you push through, it's amazing how easy they are. As the millennials and the alphabet soup generations that follow will tell you, it's all intuitive, you just have to find the time – and the urge – to play around with the new tech, like using a TV remote for the first time when your kids leave home and you're trying to navigate from your wife's streaming service to the Boks on SuperSport in time for the anthems, without throwing the remote out the window. ALSO READ: Meet Thuli Madonsela's 'heart protector' Life's faster, easier and cheaper with technology, but it is also depersonalised, a lesson that was driven home on Friday afternoon at Dick Foxton's funeral in Johannesburg. The 82 year old, who literally walked with kings but never lost the common touch – and fell in love with Thuli Madonsela – was the first of the real lobbyists, bringing business, politics and media together, using nothing more than a 25-year-old Nokia 6210. Foxton's magic sauce was the personal touch. He kept in contact using the Jurassic methodology of voice calls and breaking bread around a table, getting people who might sometimes have been at loggerheads because they didn't understand one another's positions to find common ground. Foxton was inordinately successful at what he did, by any metric. ALSO READ: VBS Bank: 'Let us not condemn without evidence,' says Madonsela He was living proof of the adage that if you do something you love, you'll never work a day in your life. The fact that no-one has ever come close to matching him in the 50 years he ran his one-man company, that literally was not much more than a PA, a driver and a fax machine and, latterly, e-mail (but never from himself) – speaks volumes to his acumen, his work ethic and probably the constitution of a dray horse. Unlike Canute and the waves, Foxton actually managed to turn back technology with humanity. In the words of one of his granddaughters on Friday, he was probably SA's first proper influencer. RIP, Dick. NOW READ: 'Ramaphosa has set gold standard in ethical and purposeful leadership': Thuli Madonsela
The Herald
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald
Thuli Madonsela's spouse, ex PR exec Richard Edward Foxton, has died at 82
Experienced PR executive and spouse of former public protector Thuli Madonsela, Richard Edward Foxton, affectionately known as Dick or "Mr Foxton", has died at the age of 82. He passed away peacefully in his bed, the Thuli Madonsela Foundation announced in a statement. Foxton was a father, grandfather and founder of the South African communications firm Foxton Communicating. He was also a founding patron of the Thuli Madonsela Foundation. Beyond his professional success, the foundation remembered him as a devoted family man who was a deeply religious Christian. "He was a proud father and a loving grandfather to nine grandchildren, all of whom were a central part of his life. "His life partner, Madonsela, was his steadfast companion in personal and professional matters, and together they were a symbol of mutual respect, love and integrity. "Foxton's impact on South Africa's business and political landscape, his commitment to social change and his deep love for his family and faith will not be forgotten. His warmth, kindness, huge personality and boundless generosity touched the lives of many, and his contributions will continue to resonate for years to come. "His passing leaves an irreplaceable void, but his influence will live on in the lives he touched and the work he pioneered." A memorial service will be held at the Rosebank Catholic Church on Friday at 2pm, followed by a celebration of his life at the Bryanston Country Club. TimesLIVE
