urlscan.io logo urlscan.io
SecurityTrails logo

www.dailymaverick.co.za Open in urlscan Pro
2606:4700:10::6816:1f  Public Scan

Back to summary
URL: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-02-27-gold-leaf-tobacco-sars-claims-billions-from-sasfin-in-rudland-money-launderin...
Submission: On February 28 via api from ZA — Scanned from DE

Form analysis 3 forms found in the DOM

GET https://www.dailymaverick.co.za

<form id="search" action="https://www.dailymaverick.co.za" method="get">
  <div class="input-group">
    <input type="text" class="form-control" name="dm_search" placeholder="Search for..." required="" minlength="4">
    <span class="input-group-btn"><button class="btn search btn-default" type="submit">GO</button></span>
  </div>
</form>

Name: send-magic-email — 

<form name="send-magic-email" class="mail-login-engine-shortcode-form">
  <h3 class="dm-better">DM is much better if you are signed in...</h3>
  <div class="email-form">
    <div class="form-group"><label for="send-magic-email" class="email-label">Enter your email below and we will send you a mail with a link or one-time pin to login</label><input type="email" class="form-control send-magic-email" name="email"
        aria-describedby="emailHelp" placeholder="e.g. john@dailymaverick.co.za" required="required"></div><button type="submit" class="btn btn-danger mail-login-engine-shortcode-sumbit">Send email to login</button>
    <p class="email-response"></p>
  </div>
  <div class="otp-form form-inline">
    <p>A code has been sent to <strong class="email-sent-to">...</strong>. Please check your email and enter your one time pin below:</p>
    <div id="otp" class="form-group inputs otp-inputs"><input class="form-control otp-input" type="tel" maxlength="1" data-index="0">
      <input class="form-control otp-input" type="tel" maxlength="1" data-index="1">
      <input class="form-control otp-input" type="tel" maxlength="1" data-index="2">
      <input class="form-control otp-input" type="tel" maxlength="1" data-index="3">
    </div>
    <div><small>Didn't get the code? <button class="btn btn-link btn-sm resend-email">Resend email</button></small></div>
    <p class="gmail_link" style="display: none;">
      <a class="btn btn-default" href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/dailymaverick.co.za" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/plugins/mail-login-engine/public/img/gmail_icon_vecteezy_transparent.png" width="20px">&nbsp; Open in Gmail</a>
    </p>
  </div>
  <p class="form-text response-text"></p>
  <div class="register-form">
    <h4>It looks like we don’t have an account for <strong class="your-email">this</strong>.</h4>
    <h4>Would you like us to create an account for you?</h4><button class="btn btn-danger px-4 register-btn">Create a new account</button>
  </div><a href="https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/sign-in/?dm_source=top-menu&amp;dm_medium=link" class="btn btn-link password-login">Sign in with password</a>
</form>

Name: user_login — POST 

<form name="user_login" class="user_login" method="post" action="" role="form" novalidate="novalidate">
  <div><input type="hidden" name="validate_shop_login" class="validate_shop_login" value="0">
    <h3>Login with a password</h3>
    <div class="form-group"><input type="email" class="form-control sign_user_email" name="user_email" value="" placeholder="Email Address" required="" minlength="8"></div>
    <div class="form-group"><input type="password" class="form-control user_password" name="user_password" minlength="5" value="" placeholder="Password" required=""></div>
    <div class="or">
      <div>or</div>
    </div>
    <div class="social-center">
      <div class="nsl-container nsl-container-block" data-align="left">
        <div class="nsl-container-buttons">
          <a href="https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/dm-admin/?loginSocial=facebook&amp;redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailymaverick.co.za%2Farticle%2F2024-02-27-gold-leaf-tobacco-sars-claims-billions-from-sasfin-in-rudland-money-laundering-debacle%2F" rel="nofollow" aria-label="Continue with <b>Facebook</b>" data-plugin="nsl" data-action="connect" data-provider="facebook" data-popupwidth="600" data-popupheight="679" data-e-disable-page-transition="1"><div class="nsl-button nsl-button-default nsl-button-facebook" data-skin="light" style="background-color:#fff;"><div class="nsl-button-svg-container"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1365.3 1365.3" height="24" width="24"><path d="M1365.3 682.7A682.7 682.7 0 10576 1357V880H402.7V682.7H576V532.3c0-171.1 102-265.6 257.9-265.6 74.6 0 152.8 13.3 152.8 13.3v168h-86.1c-84.8 0-111.3 52.6-111.3 106.6v128h189.4L948.4 880h-159v477a682.8 682.8 0 00576-674.3" fill="#1877f2"></path><path d="M948.4 880l30.3-197.3H789.3v-128c0-54 26.5-106.7 111.3-106.7h86V280s-78-13.3-152.7-13.3c-156 0-257.9 94.5-257.9 265.6v150.4H402.7V880H576v477a687.8 687.8 0 00213.3 0V880h159.1" fill="#fff"></path></svg></div><div class="nsl-button-label-container">Continue with <b>Facebook</b></div></div></a><a href="https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/dm-admin/?loginSocial=google&amp;redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailymaverick.co.za%2Farticle%2F2024-02-27-gold-leaf-tobacco-sars-claims-billions-from-sasfin-in-rudland-money-laundering-debacle%2F" rel="nofollow" aria-label="Continue with <b>Google</b>" data-plugin="nsl" data-action="connect" data-provider="google" data-popupwidth="600" data-popupheight="600" data-e-disable-page-transition="1"><div class="nsl-button nsl-button-default nsl-button-google" data-skin="light" style="background-color:#fff;"><div class="nsl-button-svg-container"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path fill="#4285F4" d="M20.64 12.2045c0-.6381-.0573-1.2518-.1636-1.8409H12v3.4814h4.8436c-.2086 1.125-.8427 2.0782-1.7959 2.7164v2.2581h2.9087c1.7018-1.5668 2.6836-3.874 2.6836-6.615z"></path><path fill="#34A853" d="M12 21c2.43 0 4.4673-.806 5.9564-2.1805l-2.9087-2.2581c-.8059.54-1.8368.859-3.0477.859-2.344 0-4.3282-1.5831-5.036-3.7104H3.9574v2.3318C5.4382 18.9832 8.4818 21 12 21z"></path><path fill="#FBBC05" d="M6.964 13.71c-.18-.54-.2822-1.1168-.2822-1.71s.1023-1.17.2823-1.71V7.9582H3.9573A8.9965 8.9965 0 0 0 3 12c0 1.4523.3477 2.8268.9573 4.0418L6.964 13.71z"></path><path fill="#EA4335" d="M12 6.5795c1.3214 0 2.5077.4541 3.4405 1.346l2.5813-2.5814C16.4632 3.8918 14.426 3 12 3 8.4818 3 5.4382 5.0168 3.9573 7.9582L6.964 10.29C7.6718 8.1627 9.6559 6.5795 12 6.5795z"></path></svg></div><div class="nsl-button-label-container">Continue with <b>Google</b></div></div></a>
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
    <div class="checkbox"><label style="font-weight: 300;"><input type="checkbox" name="remember_me" class="remember_me" value="yes" checked="">Remember Me</label></div>
    <p><a style="cursor: pointer; float: right" onclick="forgotPassword()" class="btn forgot-password-link">Forgot Password?</a></p><input class="btn btn-danger user_login_button" type="submit" name="user_login" value="Sign In">
    <p class="form-text password-response-text"></p>
  </div><a href="https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/sign-in/?dm_source=top-menu&amp;dm_medium=link" class="btn btn-link otp-login-link">Use a One Time Pin?</a>
</form>

Text Content

Toggle navigation Toggle navigation
 * Home
 * Investigations
   * Scorpio
   * Our Burning Planet
   * Amabhungane
   * Declassified UK
 * News & Analysis
   * Business Maverick
   * Maverick Citizen
   * Sport
   * Newsdeck
   * Maverick News
 * Features
   * Opinionistas
   * Maverick Life
   * TGIFood
   * Covid-19
   * Podcasts
   * Webinars
   * Zapiro
   * Op-Eds
 * Newsletters
 * Newspaper
   * E-Edition
   * Subscribe
   * Delivery queries
 * The Gathering
 * Search

GO


DM IS MUCH BETTER IF YOU ARE SIGNED IN...

Enter your email below and we will send you a mail with a link or one-time pin
to login
Send email to login



A code has been sent to .... Please check your email and enter your one time pin
below:


Didn't get the code? Resend email

  Open in Gmail



IT LOOKS LIKE WE DON’T HAVE AN ACCOUNT FOR THIS.

WOULD YOU LIKE US TO CREATE AN ACCOUNT FOR YOU?

Create a new account
Sign in with password


LOGIN WITH A PASSWORD



or
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
Remember Me

Forgot Password?



Use a One Time Pin?

GET SUPPORT

DM SHOP

SUPPORT DM

Shop SUPPORT DM Login




SCORPIO



SCORPIO


GOLD LEAF TOBACCO: SARS CLAIMS BILLIONS FROM SASFIN IN RUDLAND MONEY
LAUNDERING DEBACLE

Illustrative image | Simon Rudland; Sasfin bank; SARS. (Photos: X | Supplied |
Rawpixel | iStock | Gallo Images / Luba Lesolle)

By Pauli van Wyk
Follow Following
27 Feb 2024
Follow Following
13


IN A NOVEL CASE FILED AT THE GAUTENG DIVISION OF THE HIGH COURT JUST BEFORE
CHRISTMAS 2023, THE SA REVENUE SERVICE AIMS TO HOLD SASFIN BANK LIMITED LIABLE
FOR BILLIONS IN DAMAGES THE TAXMAN SAID IT SUFFERED DUE TO LOST TAXES. THE SA
REVENUE SERVICE ALLEGES THAT AT LEAST R8.2-BILLION IN UNTAXED FUNDS, LINKED TO
THE VAST GOLD LEAF TOBACCO MONEY LAUNDERING RACKET, WERE UNLAWFULLY SNEAKED OUT
OF THE COUNTRY OVER THE PAST DECADE - MAINLY WITH THE HELP OF 11 SASFIN
EMPLOYEES. THIS HAPPENED AMID REPEATED WARNINGS OVER THE LAPSE OF RISK AND
CONTROL MEASURES AT THE BANK’S FOREIGN EXCHANGE DIVISION.


Listen to this article

0:00 / 8:30
1X
BeyondWords

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) filed a R4.8-billion damages claim
against Sasfin Bank Limited, dated 22 December 2023. In an unprecedented step,
SARS argues that Sasfin must be held liable for damages suffered by the revenue
service because the bank facilitated large-scale tax evasion between 2013 and
2023. 



Our probe triggered a Sens announcement issued on Tuesday afternoon, 27
February, around the same time bank CEO Michael Sassoon answered questions sent
to him on Friday, 23 February. 

 


A NEW COMMUNITY ACTIONIST EVERY WEEK.

MEET THE SOUTH AFRICANS MAKING A DIFFERENCE. GET MAVERICK CITIZEN IN YOUR INBOX.

The backstory here involves SARS’s initial findings in 2022 that at least five
Sasfin employees assisted an extraordinary transnational plunder network
operated by Zimbabwean tobacco boss Simon Rudland in moving at least R3-billion
offshore without paying tax.

Read more in Daily Maverick: Simon Rudland’s Gold Leaf Tobacco used Sasfin Bank
officials to launder its dirty cigarette money – here’s how



Sassoon at the time vehemently denied that as much as R3-billion could have
washed through the bank’s system without senior management knowing. By October
2022, Sassoon acknowledged to Scorpio that the risk and control measures at the
bank were found wanting. According to Sassoon, the bank had gone through
stringent processes to ensure the crimes would not be repeated. Yet, SARS
documents filed just before Christmas in 2023 suggest that the money that washed
through Sasfin’s system was almost three times more than initially thought.
Worse, perhaps, is that on at least three occasions in November 2022 and
February 2023, long after Sasfin management was very much aware that the bank
was probably harbouring criminals, large sums were again unlawfully moved
offshore. 

In this latest court action, SARS told the Gauteng Division of the High Court in
Pretoria that investigators found that 19 companies linked to Rudland’s business
operations used the Sasfin system over the course of a decade to unlawfully –
and mostly unnoticed – sneak R8.2-billion offshore. On the back of fictitious
invoices and incomplete documentation these funds were moved from company
accounts held at Sasfin to accounts in destinations like Dubai, Switzerland and
Mauritius. Daily Maverick wrote extensively about the initial allegations.

To hide the crimes, Sasfin employees conspired to wipe the payments off the
Sasfin system and the relevant companies’ bank statements. Cross-border money
movement Bopcus reports to the SA Reserve Bank were also deleted. Sasfin
managers seemingly remained blissfully unaware of these shenanigans until SARS’s
extensive Rudland investigation reached the Sasfin shores. On Tuesday, Sassoon
was at pains to say that independent investigations “found no evidence of any
involvement by senior management or directors” at Sasfin. These investigations
did unearth an undisclosed number of employees involved, whose contracts were
terminated. Sasfin opened criminal cases against 11 of its former employees, six
more than the initial five eyed by SARS. 

In the December summons, SARS argues that Sasfin’s repeated negligence and lax
controls allowed for the abuse and loss: “Sasfin breached its legal duty by
directly or indirectly assisting the taxpayers and GLTC [Gold Leaf Tobacco
Corporation] to unlawfully export the funds abroad…”

SARS argues that “Sasfin was at all relevant stages aware, alternatively ought
to have been aware of the taxpayers and GLTC’s conduct and that the export of
the funds abroad was wrongful and unlawful”. 

The summons consists of two claims. The first claim focused on 18 companies, all
clients of Sasfin’s foreign exchange division, with names such as Chair Boyz
(Pty) Ltd, Lone Eagle General Traders (Pty) Ltd and Ocean Twelve General Trading
(Pty) Ltd. The companies collectively moved R5.33-billion from their local
Sasfin accounts to unnamed offshore accounts, SARS’s summons states. Neither
income tax nor VAT payments totalling R1.96-billion for the period under
investigation were declared. SARS argues that Sasfin’s negligence caused the
economic loss.

On the face of it, these companies mostly seem unrelated and some show signs of
being shell companies. The inference in SARS’s papers, for reasons not disclosed
so far, is that the companies, in various degrees, link to Rudland’s GLTC and
are alleged to form part of a vast cross-border money laundering racket
involving smuggled tobacco and gold. Some of the listed companies were mentioned
in SARS’s 2022 successful ex parte case in which the revenue service seized
control of the local assets held by Rudland and business partner Ebrahim
Adamjee.

All but four of these 18 companies are in the process of closing down or had
already closed down (a deregistration process at CIPC). The local subsidiary of
the German construction equipment seller Putzmeister SA (Pty) Ltd is one of the
few legitimate companies listed in the SARS papers. According to SARS, the
company unlawfully moved R67.89-million out of South Africa in the nine months
ending in February 2019. amaBhungane revealed how former company management got
caught up in the illicit activities.

Read more in Daily Maverick: THE LAUNDRY, Part One: How shape-shifting ‘money
launderers’ infiltrated SA banks

The second claim relates to tobacco products manufacturer GLTC. Between June
2016 and May 2018, GLTC’s local Sasfin account received R2.9-billion in
undeclared funds. 

SARS told the court that GLTC owed R4.46-billion in income tax and VAT by May
2023. 

Investigations suggest GLTC locally does not have the available assets and
resources to settle its tax debt in full. The shortfall “at least” will be the
sum of these undeclared funds. For that reason, SARS holds Sasfin liable for
another R2.9-billion for “damages suffered”.

Read more in Daily Maverick: Sasfin Bank will ‘rigorously’ defend itself against
SARS’s R4.87bn damages claim

In total, SARS says it is owed R4.8-billion in damages for the taxes it now
cannot raise because these companies either closed down or do not hold enough
local assets to pay the damages claim. 

Sassoon consulted a heavyweight legal team who are of the “unequivocal” opinion
that the SARS claim “has a very remote likelihood of success”. The team includes
professor Dale Hutchinson, professor Michael Katz, Aslam Moosajee and Advocate
Wim Trengove SC. 

“On the basis of this strong legal opinion”, Sassoon said, “we concluded that
the [SARS] claim will not result in the recognition of any liability.”

Sasfin has no choice but to energetically challenge the claim: The bank’s
balance sheet will buckle under a near R5-billion loss. Sasfin’s annual
financial statements for the year ended June 2023 shows the bank holds
R14-billion in assets. Its single largest asset was its loans and advances of
R9-billion. Cash and cash equivalents was stated as R866-million. A local tax
expert consulted by Scorpio confirmed there “has never been a claim in South
Africa where SARS argues a bank should be held liable because its negligence has
caused economic loss”. The tax expert said SARS will fight an uphill battle to
prove “wrongfulness”, an opinion shared by Sassoon’s team. Scorpio’s tax expert
further suggested that the courts are generally “reluctant to expand on the
doctrine of economic loss”. 

Neither the SA Reserve Bank nor SARS confirmed by the time of publishing whether
criminal charges in the matter were laid with the Hawks or police. DM



Share to Facebook Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Email App Email App Share
to WhatsApp WhatsApp
Hide

 


MAKE YOUR TAXES WORK FOR YOU



Donate to Daily Maverick’s non-profit arm, the Scorpio Investigative Unit, by 29
February 2024 and you’ll qualify for a tax break.

We issue Section 18A tax certificates for all donations made to Daily
Maverick. These can be presented to SARS for tax relief.



Make your donation today



Support Daily Maverick→


 * Gold Leaf Tobacco
 * Michael Sassoon
 * Pauli van Wyk
 * SA Revenue Service
 * SARS
 * Sasfin
 * Scorpio
 * Simon Rudland

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


COMMENTS - PLEASE LOGIN IN ORDER TO COMMENT.

 * Lew Lipschitz says:
   27 February 2024 at 20:17
   
   SARS are the worlds biggest scroungers…and deadbeats to boot. I’ve been
   waiting for a R35k tax refund going on two years!! Quick to take but very
   slow to pay out what is rightfull due to the taxpayer!!.
   
   Log in to Reply
   * HENK CRAUCAMP says:
     28 February 2024 at 06:47
     
     I disagree with your statement. Out of all the public entities SARS is in
     part the only entity that tries to function properly. Trust me when I say,
     I don’t like SARS let alone needing to pay tax for service we don’t
     receive. But the reality is if big businesses like GLTC and SASFIN don’t
     get hammered for these losses to Us, then you will never see your R35k
     rebate as there would be no funds to pay you. In my opinion, SASFIN will
     get a rap over the knuckles and we as a nation will be out of billions. The
     financial institutions are a law to themselves, they hire big named lawyers
     as sated above and get away with it. Reminds me of the 2008 financial
     crisis and the bail out to banks, the big losers were the man on the
     street. Just another Steinhoff scam…we will never see that money again…
     
     Log in to Reply
     * M D Fraser says:
       28 February 2024 at 07:44
       
       I confirm Henk’s comment. I have received nothing but courteous and
       prompt service (including refunds) from SARS. Mainly, I suppose, because
       my tax affairs are always up-to-date and in order.
       
       Log in to Reply
       * William Kelly says:
         28 February 2024 at 08:31
         
         As are mine and yet two years for VAT refunds? I am afraid SARS’
         credibility is fast eroding. Interesting too that their prosecution, or
         is that persecution team appears to have a lot more money and teeth
         than the NPA. Begs the question – what rands value is attached to life?
         
         Log in to Reply
   * Louis Fourie says:
     28 February 2024 at 08:11
     
     There is a tax ombud. SARS does not delay payout unless there is a
     disagreement. The biggest problem with taxation is that taxes are not spend
     with the same due diligence and oversight as what is used for collecting
     taxes.
     
     Log in to Reply
 * Ben Harper says:
   28 February 2024 at 05:22
   
   Won’t go anywhere, the anc are at the top of this food chain. If in doubt,
   watch “The Gold Mafia” documentary released by Al Jazeera
   
   Log in to Reply
 * Robert Pegg says:
   28 February 2024 at 07:22
   
   My company has had an uphill battle to claim over R1 million in VAT owed to
   us for over a year on exported equipment. The people dealing with it at SARS
   are clearly incompetent. We just received a quarter of the amount refunded,
   with no interest. We have to resubmit all documents again after 1 March then
   they will repay the remainder, without interest. If we are late with any tax
   or VAT payments, we are charged interest and penalties. So much for fair
   treatment by SARS.
   In future we will purchase equipment from foreign suppliers to avoid this
   situation.
   
   Log in to Reply
   * William Kelly says:
     28 February 2024 at 08:28
     
     Same here. Seems SARS has two sets of rules and they could care less about
     their obligations to lawful tax payers.
     
     Log in to Reply
 * Louis Fourie says:
   28 February 2024 at 08:07
   
   Does this mean we can sue the ANC for damages due to State Capture and all
   the corruption?
   
   Log in to Reply
   * Gerrie Pretorius says:
     28 February 2024 at 08:47
     
     Yes please! SARS is the middle man (Like Sasfin) between taxpayers and the
     corrupt anc government.
     
     Log in to Reply
 * Geoff Coles says:
   28 February 2024 at 08:08
   
   Seems odd that a Bank can be blamed for collusion among its employees.
   
   Is it any wonder SA is grey- listed regards foreign dealings.
   
   Log in to Reply
   * Bruce Gatland says:
     28 February 2024 at 09:18
     
     I believe the legal term for this is “vicarious litigation”.
     
     Log in to Reply
 * Iam Fedup says:
   28 February 2024 at 09:23
   
   In a perceptual battle between an entrepreneurial bank with a clean track
   record, and the ANC-influenced, incompetent, crooked SARS, I know where I’ll
   place my bet. Now that they have stolen everything, they are looking
   everywhere where white businesses are involved, even as tenderpreneurs buy
   villas in Dubai.
   
   Log in to Reply

Adverts on/off? You choose.


Listen to this article

0:00 / 8:30
1X
BeyondWords


TOP READS THIS HOUR

Maverick News


SIX ARRESTED, INCLUDING ALLEGED ‘MASTERMIND’, FOR MURDER OF RAPPER AKA – POLICE
MINISTER CELE

Business Maverick


NIGERIAN COPS TRACE KINGPINS TO SOUTH AFRICA AFTER COCAINE, PISTOLS AND
‘MILITARY ITEMS’ SMUGGLED FROM DURBAN

South Africa


SPOOKED TOURISTS SAY SA VISA FIASCO HAS CHASED THEM AWAY

Maverick News


GOLD LEAF TOBACCO: SARS CLAIMS BILLIONS FROM SASFIN IN RUDLAND MONEY LAUNDERING
DEBACLE

Business Maverick


NORWEGIAN CRUISE SHIP HALTED AT MAURITIUS DUE TO OUTBREAK


TOP READS IN SECTION

Business Maverick


NIGERIAN COPS TRACE KINGPINS TO SOUTH AFRICA AFTER COCAINE, PISTOLS AND
‘MILITARY ITEMS’ SMUGGLED FROM DURBAN

Maverick News


SIX ARRESTED, INCLUDING ALLEGED ‘MASTERMIND’, FOR MURDER OF RAPPER AKA – POLICE
MINISTER CELE

Maverick News


GOLD LEAF TOBACCO: SARS CLAIMS BILLIONS FROM SASFIN IN RUDLAND MONEY LAUNDERING
DEBACLE

Maverick News


A CONVERSATION WITH THE MAN WHO PAINTS TREES TO COMBAT BARK STRIPPING

Africa


JANE GOODALL: 'I HAD TO GIVE UP WHAT I LOVE BEST’ AT GOMBE TO INSPIRE
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION


SPONSORED CONTENT

Sponsored Content


DEMOCRATISING SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN THE AI AGE IS MORE CRITICAL THAN EVER

Sponsored Content


ICONIC ESTATE, SUMMER TERRACES, OFFERS UNPRECEDENTED INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN
GLENCAIRN

Sponsored Content


IS ISRAELI-PALESTINE CONFLICT EXPOSING CRACKS IN SOUTH AFRICA’S NON-ALIGNMENT
POSTURE?

Sponsored Content


THE HIDDEN KEY TO THE BUDGET

Sponsored Content


BUDGET SPEECH 2024: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW






INVESTIGATIONS

 * Scorpio
 * Our Burning Planet
 * amaBhungane
 * Maverick Citizen
 * Declassified UK
 * Contact Us


INVESTIGATIONS

 * Scorpio
 * Our Burning Planet
 * amaBhungane
 * Maverick Citizen
 * Declassified UK
 * Contact Us


NEWS & ANALYSIS

 * Business Maverick
 * Maverick Citizen
 * Maverick Sports
 * Newsdeck
 * Contact Us


NEWS & ANALYSIS

 * Business Maverick
 * Maverick Citizen
 * Maverick Sports
 * Newsdeck
 * Contact Us


FEATURES

 * Opinionista
 * Maverick Life
 * TGIFood
 * COVID-19
 * Podcasts
 * Zapiro
 * Op-Eds


FEATURES

 * Opinionista
 * Maverick Life
 * TGIFood
 * COVID-19
 * Podcasts
 * Zapiro
 * Op-Eds


NEWSLETTERS

 * First Thing
 * Business Maverick
 * Judith’s Prudence
 * SME
 * Life & Books
 * TGIFood
 * Zapiro
 * Sports
 * Advertise with us
 * Sales Deck


NEWSLETTERS

 * First Thing
 * Business Maverick
 * Judith’s Prudence
 * SME
 * Life & Books
 * TGIFood
 * Zapiro
 * Sports
 * Advertise with us
 * Sales Deck


COMMUNITY

 * About us
 * Membership
 * Events & Webinars
 * Follow us on X
 * Follow us on facebook
 * Announcements
 * Jobs
 * Buy Books & Swag
 * DM’s 10 Year Story
 * Help Centre
 * Contact us


COMMUNITY

 * About us
 * Membership
 * Events & Webinars
 * Announcements
 * Jobs
 * Buy Books & Swag
 * DM’s 10 Year Story
 * Help Centre
 * Contact us


DM168

 * E-Edition
 * Subscribe
 * Delivery queries


DM168

 * E-Edition
 * Subscribe
 * Delivery queries

Daily Maverick © All rights reserved

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by
remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you
consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings"
to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent
Close

PRIVACY OVERVIEW

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through
the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are
stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic
functionalities of the ...
Necessary
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly.
These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website,
anonymously.

CookieDurationDescription__cfduid1 monthThe cookie is used by cdn services like
CloudFlare to identify individual clients behind a shared IP address and apply
security settings on a per-client basis. It does not correspond to any user ID
in the web application and does not store any personally identifiable
information._GRECAPTCHA5 months 27 daysThis cookie is set by Google. In addition
to certain standard Google cookies, reCAPTCHA sets a necessary cookie
(_GRECAPTCHA) when executed for the purpose of providing its risk analysis.cid1
yearThis is an important cookie in making credit card transaction on the
website. It allows the online transaction without storing the credit card
information.This service is provided by Stripe.com.connect.sid1 monthThis cookie
is used for authentication and for secure log-in. It registers the log-in
information.cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement1 yearSet by the GDPR Cookie
Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies
in the "Advertisement" category .cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis
cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the
user consent for the cookies in the category
"Analytics".cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR
cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category
"Functional".cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR
Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the
cookies in the category "Necessary".cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis
cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the
user consent for the cookies in the category
"Other.cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR
Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the
cookies in the category "Performance".CookieLawInfoConsent1 yearRecords the
default button state of the corresponding category & the status of CCPA. It
works only in coordination with the primary cookie.elementorneverThis cookie is
used by the website's WordPress theme. It allows the website owner to implement
or change the website's content in real-time.JSESSIONIDsessionUsed by sites
written in JSP. General purpose platform session cookies that are used to
maintain users' state across page requests.PHPSESSIDsessionThis cookie is native
to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique
session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie
is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are
closed.viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent
plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of
cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Functional
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the
content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other
third-party features.

CookieDurationDescription__atuvc1 year 1 monthThis cookie is set by Addthis to
make sure you see the updated count if you share a page and return to it before
our share count cache is updated.__atuvs30 minutesThis cookie is set by Addthis
to make sure you see the updated count if you share a page and return to it
before our share count cache is updated.__cf_bm30 minutesThis cookie is set by
CloudFlare. The cookie is used to support Cloudflare Bot Management.__pvi1
dayThis cookie is used for the implementation of the news content from other
sites.bcookie2 yearsThis cookie is set by linkedIn. The purpose of the cookie is
to enable LinkedIn functionalities on the page.lidc1 dayThis cookie is set by
LinkedIn and used for routing.

Performance
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance
indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for
the visitors.

CookieDurationDescriptiond3 monthsThis cookie tracks anonymous information on
how visitors use the website.

Analytics
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the
website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of
visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

CookieDurationDescription__gads1 year 24 daysThis cookie is set by Google and
stored under the name dounleclick.com. This cookie is used to track how many
times users see a particular advert which helps in measuring the success of the
campaign and calculate the revenue generated by the campaign. These cookies can
only be read from the domain that it is set on so it will not track any data
while browsing through another sites._ga2 yearsThis cookie is installed by
Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, campaign
data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies
store information anonymously and assign a randomly generated number to identify
unique visitors._ga_Y7XD5FHQVG2 yearsThis cookie is installed by Google
Analytics._gat_UA-10686674-11 minuteThis is a pattern type cookie set by Google
Analytics, where the pattern element on the name contains the unique identity
number of the account or website it relates to. It appears to be a variation of
the _gat cookie which is used to limit the amount of data recorded by Google on
high traffic volume websites._gid1 dayThis cookie is installed by Google
Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website
and helps in creating an analytics report of how the website is doing. The data
collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from,
and the pages visted in an anonymous form.ajs_anonymous_idneverThis cookie is
set by Segment.io to check the number of ew and returning visitors to the
website.ajs_user_idneverThe cookie is set by Segment.io and is used to analyze
how you use the websiteANON_ID3 monthsThis cookie is provided by Tribalfusion.
The cookie is used to give a unique number to visitors, and collects data on
user behaviour like what page have been visited. This cookie also helps to
understand which sale has been generated by as a result of the advertisement
served by third party.jam_heavy_ga_session5 yearsThis cookie is installed by
Google Analytics.UserID13 monthsThe cookie sets a unique anonymous ID for a
website visitor. This ID is used to continue to identify users across different
sessions and track their activities on the website. The data collected is used
for analysis.uvc1 year 1 monthThe cookie is set by addthis.com to determine the
usage of Addthis.com service.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and
marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect
information to provide customized ads.

CookieDurationDescription__tbc2 yearsThis cookie is used for measuring the
efficiency of advertisement by registering data on visitors from multiple
website._cc_aud8 months 26 daysThe cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose
of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about
the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits,
average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These
data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location,
demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for
targeted advertising._cc_ccsessionThe cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The
purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form
about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits,
average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These
data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location,
demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for
targeted advertising._cc_dc8 months 26 daysThe cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net.
The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous
form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of
visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded.
These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical
location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for
advertisers for targeted advertising._cc_id8 months 26 daysThe cookie is set by
crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information
in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected
include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages
have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the
geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content
and for advertisers for targeted advertising._kuid_5 months 27 daysThe cookie is
set by Krux Digital under the domain krxd.net. The cookie stores a unique ID to
identify a returning user for the purpose of targeted advertising._rxuuid1
yearThe main purpose of this cookie is targeting, advertesing and effective
marketing. This cookie is used to set a unique ID to the visitors, which allow
third party advertisers to target the visitors with relevant advertisement up to
1 year.ANON_ID_old3 monthsThis cookie helps to categorise the users interest and
to create profiles in terms of resales of targeted marketing. This cookie is
used to collect user information such as what pages have been viewed on the
website for creating profiles.bscookie2 yearsThis cookie is a browser ID cookie
set by Linked share Buttons and ad tags.CMID1 yearThe cookie is set by
CasaleMedia. The cookie is used to collect information about the usage behavior
for targeted advertising.CMPRO3 monthsThis cookie is set by Casalemedia and is
used for targeted advertisement purposes.CMPS3 monthsThis cookie is set by
Casalemedia and is used for targeted advertisement purposes.CMST1 dayThe cookie
is set by CasaleMedia. The cookie is used to collect information about the usage
behavior for targeted advertising.DSID1 hourThis cookie is setup by
doubleclick.net. This cookie is used by Google to make advertising more engaging
to users and are stored under doubleclick.net. It contains an encrypted unique
ID.google_push5 minutesThis cookie is set by the Bidswitch. This cookie is used
to collect statistical data related to the user website visit such as the number
of visits, average time spent on the website and what pages have been loaded.
This collected information is used to sort out the users based on demographics
and geographical locations inorder to serve them with relevant online
advertising.i1 yearThe purpose of the cookie is not known yet.id3 monthsThe main
purpose of this cookie is targeting and advertising. It is used to create a
profile of the user's interest and to show relevant ads on their site. This
Cookie is set by DoubleClick which is owned by Google.IDE1 year 24 daysUsed by
Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website
and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present
users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.IDSYNC1
yearThis cookie is used for advertising purposes.KADUSERCOOKIE3 monthsThe cookie
is set by pubmatic.com for identifying the visitors' website or device from
which they visit PubMatic's partners' website.KTPCACOOKIE1 dayThis cookie is set
by pubmatic.com for the purpose of checking if third-party cookies are enabled
on the user's website.ljt_reader1 yearThis is a Lijit Advertising Platform
cookie. The cookie is used for recognizing the browser or device when users
return to their site or one of their partner's site.loc1 year 1 monthThis cookie
is set by Addthis. This is a geolocation cookie to understand where the users
sharing the information are located.mc1 year 1 monthThis cookie is associated
with Quantserve to track anonymously how a user interact with the
website.mt_mop1 monthStores information about how the user uses the website such
as what pages have been loaded and any other advertisement before visiting the
website for the purpose of targeted advertisements.personalization_id2 yearsThis
cookie is set by twitter.com. It is used integrate the sharing features of this
social media. It also stores information about how the user uses the website for
tracking and targeting.suid_legacy1 yearThis cookie is used to collect
information on user preference and interactioin with the website campaign
content. This cookie is used for promoting events and products by the webiste
owners on CRM-campaign-platform.TDCPM1 yearThe cookie is set by CloudFlare
service to store a unique ID to identify a returning users device which then is
used for targeted advertising.TDID1 yearThe cookie is set by CloudFlare service
to store a unique ID to identify a returning users device which then is used for
targeted advertising.test_cookie15 minutesThis cookie is set by doubleclick.net.
The purpose of the cookie is to determine if the user's browser supports
cookies.tluid3 monthsThis cookie is set by the provider AdRoll.This cookie is
used to identify the visitor and to serve them with relevant ads by collecting
user behaviour from multiple websites.tuuid1 yearThis cookie is set by
.bidswitch.net. The cookies stores a unique ID for the purpose of the
determining what adverts the users have seen if you have visited any of the
advertisers website. The information is used for determining when and how often
users will see a certain banner.tuuid_lu1 yearThis cookie is set by
.bidswitch.net. The cookies stores a unique ID for the purpose of the
determining what adverts the users have seen if you have visited any of the
advertisers website. The information is used for determining when and how often
users will see a certain banner.uid5 months 27 daysThis cookie is used to
measure the number and behavior of the visitors to the website anonymously. The
data includes the number of visits, average duration of the visit on the
website, pages visited, etc. for the purpose of better understanding user
preferences for targeted advertisments.uuid1 year 27 daysTo optimize ad
relevance by collecting visitor data from multiple websites such as what pages
have been loaded.VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE5 months 27 daysThis cookie is set by
Youtube. Used to track the information of the embedded YouTube videos on a
website.wfivefivec1 year 1 monthThe domain of this cookie is owned by Dataxu.
The main business activity of this cookie is targeting and advertising. This
cookie tracks the advertisement report which helps us to improve the marketing
activity.xbc2 yearsThis cookie is used for optmizing the advertisement on the
website more relevant by analysing the user behaviour and interaction with the
website.YSCsessionThis cookies is set by Youtube and is used to track the views
of embedded videos.

Others
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been
classified into a category as yet.

CookieDurationDescription__browsiSessionID30 minutesNo description
available.__browsiUID1 yearNo description available.__cflb23 hoursThis cookie is
used by Cloudflare for load balancing.__gpi1 year 24 daysNo
descriptionajs_group_idneverThis cookie is set by Segment.io. The purpose of the
cookie is currently not identified.blkbs6 days 23 hoursNo
descriptioncharitable_session1 dayNo description available.cookietestsessionNo
descriptiondebugneverNo description available.gCStest7 years 1 month 26 days 16
hoursNo descriptionmuc_ads2 yearsNo descriptionrevengine_browser_idsessionNo
descriptionrevengine-browser-tokensessionRevEngine Data Tool.rl_user_idneverNo
description available.tf_respondent_cc6 monthsNo descriptionUserMatchHistory1
monthLinkedin - Used to track visitors on multiple websites, in order to present
relevant advertisement based on the visitor's preferences.vic_loc_error10
minutesNo descriptionvicinity_id1 year 10 months 24 days 11 hoursVicinity
Advertising.

SAVE & ACCEPT
Powered by



PLEASE PEER REVIEW 3 COMMUNITY COMMENTS BEFORE YOUR COMMENT CAN BE POSTED


looks goodnomis/disinformation?


BECOME AN INSIDER

There are many great benefits to being a Maverick Insider. Removing advertising
from your browsing experience is one of them - we don't just block ads, we
redesign our pages to look smarter and load faster.

Click here to see other benefits and to sign-up to our reader community
supporting quality, independent journalism.

Find out More
word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word
word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word
word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word
word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word
word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word
word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word
word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word
word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word
word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word
word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word
word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word
word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word
word word word word word word word word

mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1
mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1
mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1
mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1
mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1
mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1
mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1