Sign in

Open Secrets ZA

@opensecrets.org.za
570 followers 75 following 191 posts

Open Secrets holds the profiteers of economic crime, human rights abuses, and war to account. We go where it’s hard to disrupt networks of power. linktr.ee/opensecrets_za

PostsRepliesMedia
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 17/09/2026
Open Secrets’ documentary, 'We Can’t See the Sunset' (2025), will be screened at Ubuntu Hub, Joburg on 22 September! The film documents the climate costs of communities at the margins as well as their enduring hope. 🎥 RSVP here: www.acaforms.org.za/signup_V2.php?e…
031
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 15/09/2026
We are once again getting down and dirty in the fight against fossil fuels with African Climate Alliance! 🌍 At Climate Week in Joburg, we will host a linocut artivism workshop as well as another screening of We Can't See the Sunset. RSVP here: www.acaforms.org.za/signup_V2.php?e…
021
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 08/09/2026
Read our final piece on Digital Profiteers where combatting fraud is key. But what is considered fraud? And how does it impact grant recipients? 🚨READ: www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/202…
000
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 20/08/2026
Today marks anti-apartheid activist Dulcie September’s birthday. Dulcie did not live to see a democratic South Africa, but she was vital in its struggle and establishment.
000
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 04/08/2026
Somebody is making bank off grants 👀 In part two of Digital Profiteers, we look into the banks involved in the grant system. 🚨 READ PART 2 HERE: www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/202…
dailymaverick.co.za
The banks and the costs of verifying social grant recipients
In the previous article, we explained why the South African government is extending the use of banks to verify grant recipients in social grants administration and how this process works. In this arti…
030
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 28/07/2026
On Sunday, Luthando Vilakazi, an Open Secrets lawyer, spoke to @Newzroom Afrika on the "legal fight that could possibly reshape how South Africa holds commissions of inquiry." Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1VBmqQruwA
youtube.com
Former PRASA executives seek to overturn Zondo Commission corruption findings
Newzroom Afrika
011
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 28/07/2026
Open Secrets directer, Hennie van Vuuren will join Thamsanqa Zanoxolo Hlatshwayo in a discussion on the Tyranny of Swaziland's Absolute Monarch! Join us on Thursday evening to hear about the unchecked political power of King Mswati III & the capturing of a state. RSVP: martin@wwmp.org.za
010
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 25/07/2026
Our latest investigation explores the hidden infrastructure behind SA's digital grants system & the questions it raises when essential public services rely on private companies. 🚨 READ PART 1: www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/202…
010
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 23/07/2026
Open Secrets' Ra'eesa Pather spoke on Newzroom Afrika about the inquiry shockingly clearing South Gauteng DPP Adv. Andrew Chauke. Pather argues the finding defies years of investigations, saying key evidence was never properly tested 👉 Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYbGDTxtV70
youtube.com
Pather questions findings clearing Adv. Chauke
Newzroom Afrika
000
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 10/07/2026
Who holds South African corporations accountable for their conduct outside of SA? Responsibility shouldn’t disappear at the border. We applied to be amicus curiae in the Constitutional Court case between MTN and East Asian Consortium 🎥 Watch here:https://youtu.be/_ceWw9fUWuI?si=w4CpghQ99HP8ERMK
youtu.be
The Case for Corporate Accountability | Open Secrets Amicus Intervention
Open Secrets TV
010
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 30/06/2026
Afrophobia has no place in a just and democratic South Africa. Today, we stand in solidarity with migrants, refugees, and foreign nationals living in South Africa. Open Secrets condemns the country-wide protests that have threatened the lives and livelihoods, particularly of African migrants.
083
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 24/06/2026
Open Secrets is launching Who Owns South Africa: Private Pensions edition! See you later today at the launch event! 📍 Homecoming Centre 📅 24 June 2026 🕕 18:00 Download the report here:https://www.opensecrets.org.za/investigation-who-owns-south-africa-private-pensions/⁩
000
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 08/06/2026
Join Open Secrets for the launch of the fourth Who Owns South Africa investigative report! 📅 24 June 2026 ⏰ 6PM 📍Homecoming Centre Get your tickets here: www.quicket.co.za/events/379696-who…
030
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 21/05/2026
Salim Essa continues to evade justice in Dubai as prosecutors pursue his extradition for orchestrating massive corruption linked to state contracts. 🚨 READ: www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/202…
dailymaverick.co.za
Salim Essa: The shadow broker of State Capture remains unaccountable
Salim Essa, a central figure in South Africa’s State Capture, evades justice in Dubai as prosecutors pursue his extradition for orchestrating massive corruption linked to state contracts.…
040
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 13/05/2026
Civil society met today to discuss the Protected Disclosures Bill. 🚨 READ: www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/202…
dailymaverick.co.za
Civil society welcomes draft whistleblower Bill, but warns that serious risks remain
While the Protected Disclosures Bill is a step forward, civil society warns it must address significant gaps to offer real protection for those who expose corruption and wrongdoing.…
050
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 06/05/2026
Voice phishing scams targeting retired South Africans are engineered. The UK mandates reimbursement after proving consumer awareness isn’t enough. South Africa has the same evidence—so why no action? Read here: currencynews.co.za/inside-a-vishing…
currencynews.co.za
Inside a vishing call: 41 minutes, R340,000 gone
A vishing call is a product, not a conversation. The UK treats banks as accountable. South Africa still treats the customer as an authoriser.
010
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 05/05/2026
Civil society says the draft whistleblower Bill is a step forward—but not enough. 🚨 READ: www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/202…
030
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 04/05/2026
The deadline for the Open Secrets internships has been extended! Are you interested in holding the private sector to account? APPLY HERE: www.opensecrets.org.za/https-form-j…
021
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 30/04/2026
On 29 April 2026, the Government of Zambia announced the postponement of the RightsCon 2026 conference. As we continue to receive updates, we call on the Government of Zambia to uphold human and digital rights. Read the RightsCon statement: www.instagram.com/p/DXuqN8SCPfU
instagram.com
RightsCon on Instagram: It is with heavy hearts that we share: RightsCon will not proceed in Zambia or online.
391 likes, 39 comments - rightscon on April 29, 2026: It is with heavy hearts that we share: RightsCon will not proceed in Zambia or online..
020
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 30/04/2026
We’re on the lookout for TWO driven individuals to join our tight-knit team: 🔍 Intern: Investigations 📢 Intern: Campaigns If you’re ready to make an impact where it counts, this might be your moment. APPLY NOW: www.opensecrets.org.za/https-form-j…
opensecrets.org.za
2026 Open Secrets Internships
Open Secrets is hiring two Interns (Investigations and Campaigns) to join our small, dedicated team based in Cape Town.
000
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 28/04/2026
🫵 Have you been tirelessly scrolling through *ndeed for job listings? Look no further! APPLY HERE for the Investigations and Campaigns internships at Open Secrets: www.opensecrets.org.za/https-form-j…
opensecrets.org.za
2026 Open Secrets Internships
Open Secrets is hiring two Interns (Investigations and Campaigns) to join our small, dedicated team based in Cape Town.
010
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 24/04/2026
Tune into the Open Secrets' Hennie van Vuuren on Newzroom Afrika about President Cyril Ramaphosa's "indecisiveness" in addressing leadership stability within the police service! WATCH HERE: youtu.be/YfdDZp_yHO0
youtu.be
- YouTube
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
010
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 23/04/2026
🚨 Unaccountables is back with Eric Wood & calls for State Capture accountability! READ: www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/202…
dailymaverick.co.za
Unaccountable – Eric Wood at the centre of a stalled reckoning over Transnet billions
Eric Wood is emblematic of the one step forward, two steps back path to accountability for State Capture in SA. Wood – former director of Regiments and Trillian – was arrested and appeared in court on…
000
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 17/04/2026
Cupcake's economy got you down? Open Secrets' Campaigns and Investigations internships might be the solution to your problems. We're looking for two candidates to join our team - apply if you hate economic crime and human rights abuses! 📍 APPLY HERE: form.jotform.com/260983599811573
011
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 29/03/2026
Today marks 38 years since the legendary Dulcie September's assassination. Her family, who have lived through unimaginable pain, are still seeking justice. Thirty-eight years later, questions remain: who killed Dulcie September, and who ensured the truth stayed buried?
000
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 23/03/2026
Last call for our workshop with Yetu Infotech Collective about the people versus private telecoms! 📍JOHANNESBURG, 24 MARCH 2026: The Forge, Braamfonetin. 📍BOTSHABELO, 26 MARCH 2026: Botshabelo Social Development Office. REGISTER NOW: freeinternet.africa/digitalage
000
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 19/03/2026
Have calls to justice been disconnected? 👀 Join us and Yetu Infotech Collective for a workshop on private telecoms and community-based networks! 📍JOHANNESBURG, 24 MARCH: The Forge 📍BOTSHABELO, 26 MARCH: Botshabelo Social Development Office REGISTER HERE: freeinternet.africa/digitalage
000
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 16/03/2026
The global arms trade is booming as world war may be looming. Arms transfers jumped 9.2% in the past five years. The US remains the world’s top weapons supplier. Read more here: www.sipri.org/media/press-release/2…
sipri.org
Global arms flows jump nearly 10 per cent as European demand soars
The volume of major arms transferred between states increased by 9.2 per cent between 2016–20 and 2021–25. States in Europe more than trebled their arms imports, making it the biggest recipient region.
000
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 13/03/2026
CPT’s rail rebuild may be in business with the Cape Flats 28s gang. Prasa security head Alexio Papadopulo allegedly steered contractors toward firms linked to alleged 28s boss Ralph Stanfield Read: amabhungane.org/exclusive-alleged-2…
001
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 12/03/2026
Former ANC MP Vincent Smith is going to prison for Bosasa corruption. It's proof the wheels of justice turn slowly — but selectively. Read here: www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/202…
dailymaverick.co.za
From Parliament to prison — Vincent Smith receives seven-year sentence for Bosasa corruption
Vincent Smith, once a powerful ANC MP and parliamentary committee chairperson, is headed to prison while comrades accused of similar offences walk free.…
000
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 11/03/2026
"If the NHI is implemented in its entirety, perfectly or imperfectly, it would render the need for private healthcare system unnecessary and moot," says Luthando Vilakazi on Health Beat. WATCH NOW: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4o6E8pq4_og
youtube.com
- YouTube
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
110
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 10/03/2026
What need does a democratic country have for an apartheid military industrial complex responsible for decades of suffering? 🚨 READ HERE: groundup.org.za/article/sa-arms-con…
groundup.org.za
Arms committee fails to explain SA’s weapon sales to Saudi Arabia and UAE
National Conventional Arms Control Committee has not filed record of decisions despite being ordered to do so by the High Court in 2021
020
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 09/03/2026
💥No climate justice in a world at war The @cjcoalition.bsky.social calls for an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilian lives, and transparency around military emissions. READ: climatejusticecoalition.org/no-clim…
climatejusticecoalition.org
No Climate Justice in a World at War | Climate Justice Coalition
US-Israeli Military Aggression Against Iran Threatens Climate Progress and Global Stability PRESS RELEASE – for immediate release 9 March, 2026 South Africa Members, the steering committee and the secretariat of the Climate Justice Coalition condemns the unlawful, unprovoked aggression of the United States (US) and Israel against Iran and the subsequent war that has broken...
010
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 09/03/2026
🚨 Join us and the Institute for Economic Justice on 11 March 2026 at 13:00 (SAST) for an important discussion on South Africa’s digital welfare fraud crackdown! 🔗 Register here: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/36…
010
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 06/03/2026
Itching for something new? Open Secrets Campaigner position might be what you're looking for! Applications are almost closed so make sure to get yours in before Sunday! APPLY HERE: form.jotform.com/Open_Secrets/campa…
form.jotform.com
Campaigner
Please click the link to complete this form.
010
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 05/03/2026
South Africa promised transparency in arms exports. So why is the NCACC still refusing to explain weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE? READ Open Secrets' Ntokozo Dladla's op-ed: groundup.org.za/article/sa-arms-con…
120
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 27/02/2026
YNF Engineering got R970 million — nearly 40% of what Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) spent in 3 years on its overhaul tender. Read more: www.news24.com/investigations/train…
news24.com
Trains to nowhere: How a firm scored millions as Prasa allegedly blew billions on old trains | News24
YNF Engineering was the biggest beneficiary of Prasa’s seemingly irregular R7.5 billion general overhaul contract to fix trains that were not required for service and were left to rust away after refurbishments, according to a forensic investigation by law firm Webber Wentzel.
000
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 26/02/2026
📢 Open Secrets is looking for a new full-time campaigner! We investigate economic crime, expose power, and use research, advocacy & the law to defend human rights. Ready to hold the powerful accountable? APPLY HERE: form.jotform.com/Open_Secrets/campa…
031
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 25/02/2026
Civil society has been advocating for an expanded R1,750-a-month Basic Income Grant (BIG). The call is clear: tax the rich, fund jobs, and refuse to buy into another "anti-poor" budget Read here: groundup.org.za/article/budget-2026…
groundup.org.za
Budget 2026: civil society groups call for a R1,750-a-month social grant
“The government needs to tax the rich”
040
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 23/02/2026
Reminder that Open Secrets' Ra'eesa Pather wrote that "a judgment in Mozambique has implicated Pam Golding Properties in a major corruption scandal" 👀 READ: www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/202…
000
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 23/02/2026
📢 Open Secrets is looking for a new campaigner! Are you an advocate for social justice, accountability and transparency? Are you keen to work with a small team of investigators and civil society activists? APPLY HERE: form.jotform.com/Open_Secrets/campa…
010
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 20/02/2026
Join Sam Husseini for a PSC talk on press freedom and international law! Open Secrets Ra'eesa Pather will be in conversation with him, Lester Kiewit, Jaamia Galant and Martin Jansen about accountability in global affairs. 📍 Tomorrow, Saturday 21 February ⏰ 3pm-5pm 🏠 Community House
020
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 19/02/2026
Did you spot the contradiction in Ramaphosa’s #SONA speech? SA apparently wants climate resilience without climate accountability and 'just' transition perks without taking on polluters or inequality Read: currencynews.co.za/silence-speaks-l…
currencynews.co.za
Silence speaks loudest: The climate contradictions in Cyril’s Sona
The president’s address shows a government that wants to manage climate impacts without fully taking responsibility for their causes.
010
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 18/02/2026
🚨 BREAKING: Funds handled by Pam Golding Properties and Jouberts Attorneys allegedly ended up as bribe payments to the son of a former Mozambican president! READ: www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/202…
000
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 12/02/2026
Neoliberalism still governs South Africa. If private interests outweigh public needs, even the most polished #SONA speech won’t stop inequality from widening. READ: zabalaza4socialism.org.za/2026/02/1…
010
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 11/02/2026
Zuma’s corruption case was delayed due to attempts to remove his prosecutor. The NPA argues that the trial must go ahead—appeals or not 🧑🏾‍⚖️ www.news24.com/southafrica/crime-an…
news24.com
Zuma, Thales appeals for stay of prosecution refused, NPA’s ‘Stop Stalingrad’ ruling delayed | News24
Judge Nkosinathi Chili has dismissed Jacob Zuma and French arms company Thales’ latest appeals in the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Pietermaritzburg for the stay of their corruption prosecutions – but has delayed his ruling on the State’s application to block them from using appeals to avoid their trials.
010
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 10/02/2026
Despite the US gov's attempts at making coal kawaii, it remains uncertain if "Coalie" the coal mascot makes the public feel better about draining resources and rapid climate change. Read: www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/0…
motherjones.com
The US government is trying to make coal seem cute. It isn't.
Trump complained that coal needed better PR. Then Coalie showed up.
000
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 10/02/2026
60 years ago, Kwame Nkrumah wrote about profit shifting draining Africa’s wealth. Today, a colonial-era global tax system still lets multinationals hide profits—costing Africa approx. $90bn per year. Read more here: africasacountry.com/2026/01/what-kw…
africasacountry.com
What Kwame Nkrumah knew about profit shifting
From colonial accounting tricks to modern tax havens, Nkrumah understood how capital escapes, and why political independence was never enough.
010
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 09/02/2026
Did you know that Europe enables more than 50% of global corporate tax abuse? The @Tax Justice Network recently updated their list of countries that are the biggest enablers of corporate tax fraud. Want to know where South Africa is sitting? 👀 Check it out: cthi.taxjustice.net/full-list
cthi.taxjustice.net
Full list
The Corporate Tax Haven Index thoroughly evaluates each jurisdiction's tax and financial systems to create a clear picture of the world's greatest enablers of global corporate tax abuse, and to highlight the laws and policies that policymakers can amend to reduce their jurisdiction's enabling of corporate tax abuse.
010
Open Secrets ZA @opensecrets.org.za · 04/02/2026
Iranian film maker Jafar Panahi will screen 'Taxi Tehran' tonight at the The Old Granary! Open Secrets' Ra'eesa Pather in conversation about Iran & the intersectionality of people's liberation. 📍 TONIGHT Refreshments: 17:30 Screening: 18:00 Discussion: 19:30 RSVP: tinyurl.com/irfilming
100