Podcasts about organisation undoing tax abuse outa

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), says they have discovered some serious corruption relating to the issuing of roadworthy certificate systems at vehicle testing stations in the country. OUTA SAYS corruption at these stations contributes to South Africa's high road accident rate, which costs the country over 2% of its GDP according to a report compiled by OUTA, which has now decided to go public with its investigation. For more on this, Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Rudie Heyneke, Senior Project Manager at OUTA

Gugs Mhlungu speak to Resident Motoring Enthusiast, Warren Tucker on what it would take to curb the corruption at road worthiness test stations in light of an investigation by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) which reportedly found widespread corruption at vehicle test stations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julius Kleynhans, from the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), discusses the ongoing challenges of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 2. Originally intended to address Gauteng's growing water demand by 2018, delays have pushed completion to 2028 or beyond. Rising costs, political interference, and infrastructure issues highlight the urgency of the project. Kleynhans emphasizes the long-term consequences of these delays on South Africa's water supply, economy, and diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries.

Following Eskom's statement that their will be imminent power cuts in Joburg due to billions in unpaid debt, The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has called on Joburg residents to rise up against Eskom's intention. Africa Melane speaks Advocate Stephanie Fick, executive Director of OUTA, on why they took this stance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Power utility Eskom THIS WEEK announced unprecedented plans to interrupt power supply to the City of Johannesburg at certain pre-determined times of the day from next month, citing City Power's failure to pay R4.9-billion in arrears. If Eskom goes ahead with it's plans, that will leave hundreds of thousands of households in South Africa's largest city in the dark even when many of them are fully paid up customers with City Power or have pre-paid meters. When metros or municipalities fail to pay Eskom on time or at all, it forces Eskom to borrow additional money at premiums to fund operational costs, particularly as the country's municipal debt arrears to Eskom stands at R90-billion. The power utility is expected to announce a decision on the intended electricity interruptions in the middle of December. The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse - OUTA - plans to submit written representations on the matter. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to  OUTA  Executive Director, Advocate Stephanie Fick 

South Africa's ongoing electricity and water crises have once again taken center stage, with Wayne Duvenage, CEO of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), shedding light on the root causes and potential solutions. In a recent conversation with Alec Hogg, Duvenage emphasized the critical role of government responsibility, efficiency, and accountability, especially in essential services like electricity and water. He also urged citizens to support organizations like OUTA, which fight for transparency and systemic change. Sign up for your early morning brew of the BizNews Insider to keep you up to speed with the content that matters. The newsletter will land in your inbox at 5:30am weekdays. Register here. The seventh BizNews Conference, BNC#7, is to be held in Hermanus from March 11 to 13, 2025. The 2025 BizNews Conference is designed to provide an excellent opportunity for members of the BizNews community to interact directly with the keynote speakers, old (and new) friends from previous BNC events - and to interact with members of the BizNews team. Register for BNC#7 here.

A French multinational company has become embroiled in a third tender controversy, this time to produce “smart driving licence cards” at an inflated cost of R898,597 million - nearly double the budget. In this interview with BizNews Wayne Duvenhage, the CEO of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), describes how the findings of its investigation into the tender led to Transport Minister Barbara Creecy's decision to refer it to the Auditor-General (AG) for further investigstion. The same company recently had its R115-million contract with Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) terminated. And there have been delays in its delivery on a Home Affairs contract. Meanwhile, more whistleblowers are coming forward with inside information on the latest tender awarded to the company. “So the more evidence we gather, the more we'll pass over to the Auditor General. Hopefully then to the police and what we're actually asking for the authorities and the Minister is don't only cancel this tender, find out who in your department is involved, have disciplinary hearings, fire them if need be and then don't stop there, have them charged for the criminal conduct that they have instituted.”

Civil Society Groups combined under the banner of the Joburg Crisis Alliance have threaten to take to the streets if Johannesburg Mayor, Kabelo Gwamanda does not resign immediately. The group says crippling services in joburg cannot go on unabated. The alliance comprises of several civic organisations including the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, Defend Our Democracy and the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA, among others. Executive Director at the Kathrada Foundation, Neeshan Balton  

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse OUTA's says the delay by the Department of Transport to redesign the driver's license card is concerning. Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga announced earlier this month that the new drivers license cards will be rolled out end of April. The current card printers have been affected by technical issues in the past few years, leading to breakdowns and inevitable backlogs in printing of driver's license cards. To discuss this further Elvis Presslin spoke to Executive Director of the Accountability Division at OUTA, Advocate Stefanie Fick

Peter Major, a mining expert and the director of mining at Modern Corporate Solutions, along with Mothe Khoaripe, explores the potential job cuts at Sibanye as part of its gold operations restructuring. The mining company has already reduced its workforce by approximately 2,000 positions in its PGM operations following a significant decline in metal prices last year.   Wayne Duvenage , CEO at Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) explains to Motheo Khoaripe what the scrapping of e-tolls means to the businesses that have been paying for them   Viv Govender, portfolio manager at Rand Swiss looked at navigating dodgy investments as our headteacher of our investment school.  Govender looked at recognizing pitfalls and safeguarding your finances and explained how to avoid common traps with these essential insightsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wayne Duvenage , CEO at Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) explains to Motheo Khoaripe what the scrapping of e-tolls means to the businesses that have been paying for them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) noted on Friday that although the current version of the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill (GILAB) is a major improvement from previous ones and a step in the right direction, there are still some concerns for civil society organisations. Last month, Parliament's National Assembly adopted the new GILAB. Outa regards the third iteration of the Bill as an improvement on the first two versions, and views the "omission of the draconian provisions" as a victory for civil society. The organisation raised concerns with the failure by GILAB to give sufficient powers to the Auditor-General, the Inspector-General of Intelligence, and Parliament's Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence to oversee the Secret Services expenditure of R4.865-billion in 2024/25. The organisation highlighted that although the Inspector-General of Intelligence could appoint their own staff and determine the organisational structure, they still could not make legally binding decisions or recommendations. "…which means that their investigations into malfeasance are unlikely to lead to any form of accountability," explained Outa. GILAB will now proceed to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) for further consideration. "…although it is noted that, since it is a Section 75 Bill (on ordinary Bill not affecting provinces), the NCOP need not concur with the Bill for it to be passed," Outa pointed out. The organisation said, more than ever, South Africa needed an active civil society that could hold government to account, adding that any measures by the State to interfere with or hamper civil activism was a recipe for authoritarian conduct that would stifle the organisation's work. Outa noted some of the improvements on the new GILAB, highlighting the removal of the security vetting provision in some instances. It also noted that the previous Bill had a broad definition of "person or institution of national security interest" which granted excessive authority to State intelligence agencies to conduct mandatory security vetting. It is concerned about this lack of clarity regarding the criteria for identification and the potential for abuse of power. The previous versions of GILAB propose to expand the mass interception surveillance powers of State security agencies through the National Communications Centre (NCC) without adequate safeguards for privacy and freedom of expression. Outa noted that the oversight mechanisms outlined fell short of constitutional standards and risked granting unchecked surveillance powers to the government. It added that the current version of GILAB required intelligence services to seek approval from a judge to conduct mass interception and that judge must be appointed by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice. Outa said that the GILAB now included more stringent oversight over data collected by the NCC and clearly recognised the safeguards of the Protection of Personal Information Act. "Although some of the problematic broad definitions, such as "national security", still remain in GILAB, it is commendable that the ill-defined term "potential opportunity", which was contained in the older versions of GILAB, has been removed," Outa said.

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has slammed The Draft Integrated Resource Plan 2023 (IRP 2023) as “sloppy, inaccurate, out of date”. OUTA's CEO Wayne Duvenage says it is so “inadequate that it makes a mockery of the public engagement process”. He warns that if it is not torn up and redone properly, OUTA will go to court. “We need our government to actually start applying the demands when it comes to what is in the best interests of this country, of business, of the economy and its people and the consumers. And they're not demonstrating that. So what we believe will happen going forward is if they don't demonstrate that on this specific matter, then they will be hauled off to court.”

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse ( OUTA) has reiterated that it will continue with its plan to defend motorists who receive a summons from SANRAL for outstanding e-toll debt. This follows comments by Mampho Modise, deputy director-general of public finance at National Treasury, Mampho Modise, that the Gauteng Provincial Government still plans to collect the e-toll debt from motorists. Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi announced during his State of the Province Address that Etolls will officially be switched off from the 31st of March. For more on this, we are joined on the line by OUTA'S Executive Director: Accountability and Public Governance Division Adv. Stefanie Fick 

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) is concerned about the risk of a financial crisis for SABC, as the new SABC bill has failed to ensure an immediate funding model for the public broadcaster. Ml. Junaid Kharsany speaks to Outa's senior legal project manager, Andrea van Heerden.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme, NSFAS has welcomed the Labour Court's decision to reject its axed CEO's bid for reinstatement. Andile Nongogo was fired after corruption allegations emerged involving four NSFAS service providers who were awarded tenders irregularly. This as the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) is calling for the resignation of Higher Education Minister Dr. Blade Nzimande and NSFAS board chairperson Ernest Khosa over allegations of corruption. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Rudie Heyneke, who is OUTA's Investigations Manager

The Democratic Alliance (DA) and ActionSA on Tuesday laid criminal charges against Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Dr Blade Nzimande, for his alleged role in defrauding the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) through kickbacks paid to him, NSFAS board chairperson Ernest Khoza, and the South African Communist Party (SACP). Last week, non-profit civil rights organisation the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) said it had voice recordings containing "damning allegations about a patronage network in the Department of Higher Education, implicating Nzimande, Khoza, and several others". The organisation alleged that Nzimande and Khoza were involved in the fraudulent scheme coordinated by corrupt tenderpreneurs to loot NSFAS through irregular contracts. Outa released voice recordings of two meetings between Khosa and a representative of a service provider, which revealed how service providers allegedly paid millions of rand in kickbacks to Nzimande and Khosa and at least R1-million to the SACP. On Monday, Nzimande rejected the allegations in a media briefing, vowing to take legal action. He said he would voluntarily subject himself to the African National Congress's ethics and integrity bodies. Amid calls for him to step down, he stated that he was not guilty of corruption and added that there was no need for him to resign. DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Karabo Khakhau said that Nzimande squandered his opportunity to take the public into his confidence, on Monday. "He provided no evidence to contradict Outa's allegations and assure vulnerable students who depend on NSFAS or the public at large that he hasn't wilfully risked their futures to enrich himself and his comrades," said Khakhau. ActionSA also rejected Nzimande's "theatrical attempt at a press conference", and said he evaded accountability through a "laughable tale" of being the victim of an elite conspiracy. "Such delusions are unworthy of serious consideration," said ActionSA Youth Forum chairperson Hluphi Gafane. She explained that in undermining the principles of transparency and accountability, Nzimande resorted to invoking racial undertones to shield himself from scrutiny - "a tactic befitting someone caught red-handed with his grubby hands in the cookie jar". ActionSA is of the view that Nzimande lacked the authority to speak on behalf of poor students, owing to what the party calls a track record marred by a shameful combination of mismanagement, cronyism and corruption, which it says has only exacerbated the disenfranchisement of poor students. Outa has also confirmed that criminal charges had been drawn up with regards to the leaked recordings against Nzimande, Khosa, Thula Ntumba, the directors of Coinvest as well as Coinvest Africa itself for corruption and bribery in terms of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (No. 12 of 2004). Outa said it would be sharing the report and recordings with the Auditor-General, the Public Protector, Werksmans Attorneys, the South African Revenue Service, National Treasury and the umbrella body for universities, Universities South Africa. The report will also be given to the parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science and Innovation for oversight purposes, the organisation said. Outa reiterated its call for Nzimande and Khosa to resign. "If they don't want to resign, President Cyril Ramaphosa must for once show that he is putting the country before his party and remove them from their positions," the organisation said.

Higher education, science and innovation minister Blade Nzimande has dismissed allegations that he, the SACP and National Student Financial Aid Scheme board chairperson Ernest Khosa received kickback payments from service providers contracted by the scheme. The allegations, with leaked recordings, were made by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) last week.  Nzimande convened a briefing on Monday to challenge the claims.

The dreams of thousands of students have been shattered by corruption in the higher education sector. Much of that has been exposed by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA). In this interview with BizNews, OUTA's Investigations Manager, Rudie Heyneke speaks about the corruption reports it has issued since 2018; the “three brave souls” who triggered OUTA's investigations; their sacrifices, victimisation, and persecution; the leaked voice recordings containing damning allegations about a patronage network implicating Minister Blade Nzimande, National Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Board Chair Dr Ernest Khosa, and several others; their denials of wrongdoing - and the ultimatum from students to President Cyril Ramaphosa to fire the Minister or face “radical” protest. Heyneke also denies accusations that OUTA has become politicised, saying: “…there's no way that OUTA will become involved in politics”. As for the ruling African National Congress (ANC) calling on members to pray for the party's renewal, he says: “Nothing is getting better. The same promises were made last year on the 8th of January celebrations. So to pray for change and for service delivery and so on, I do support that. But we will see if that turns into positive action. And if it is prolonged positive action and not only just because there's elections later this year.” - Chris Steyn

DA leader John Steenhuisen says the party is preparing legal charges against minister of higher education Blade Nzimande after allegations about his involvement in receiving  kickback payments from service providers contracted by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).  Last week the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) released leaked audio recordings which suggest Nzimande, NSFAS board chairperson Ernest Khosa and the South African Communist Party (SACP) received million of rands in kickbacks in relation to the awarding of the scheme's controversial new allowance direct payment system. 

The FF Plus is calling for an urgent meeting with Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Higher Education following allegations of corruption at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, NSFAS.  Leaked voice recordings by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) implicates Higher Education Minister Dr. Blade Nzimande and NSFAS board chairperson Ernest Khosa in alleged corruption and bribery claims at the financial aid scheme. To discuss this further Elvis Presslin spoke to FF Plus Chief Spokesperson, Dr. Wynand Boshoff

The Democratic Alliance (DA) said on Monday, through its student organisation, it will initiate mass mobilisation campaigns at tertiary education campuses across the country to force President Cyril Ramaphosa to fire Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Blade Nzimande. Last week, a series of leaked recordings released by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) revealed the details of a criminal cartel operating inside the Department of Higher Education and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The recordings revealed that service providers that were awarded multimillion-rand tenders to administer direct payments to students allegedly paid kickbacks to NSFAS chairperson Ernest Khosa, to Nzimande, and to the South African Communist Party (SACP). According to Outa, "This was done in return for tenders and protection for service providers." DA leader John Steenhuisen said that these revelations demonstrated that nothing was sacred to the African National Congress (ANC) government. He said the party was preparing criminal charges against Nzimande and was also briefing its legal team to declare the NSFAS board delinquent over the corrupt and irrational direct payment and accommodation tenders. "This legal action is in keeping with the findings of the State Capture Commission, which recommended that it should become standard practice to declare board members involved in capture and corruption as delinquent," he said. Steenhuisen announced that the DA would immediately submit a request under the Promotion of Access to Information Act to obtain a copy of the Werksmans report into the awarding of the direct payment tenders. The party will write to Ramaphosa and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to demand that the scope of the SIU's investigation be broadened to include the alleged kickbacks to Nzimande and the SACP. Steenhuisen explained that instead of supporting students who were working hard to rise above hardship to build a better future for themselves and the country, the ANC only saw "another opportunity to loot". He highlighted that the awarding last year by NSFAS of direct payment tenders to companies with no proven track record had resulted in students being charged exorbitant fees for every transaction. "In many cases, students also received their allowances late or not at all, leaving them unable to even buy food. Thanks to the recently released recordings, we now know why these lucrative tenders were awarded to companies no one had ever heard of: in exchange for kickback payments to Nzimande, Khosa and the SACP," he said. SYSTEMIC CORRUPTION Steenhuisen said in addition to cutting the accommodation allowance by R15 000 per year last year, the scheme now also required educational institutions and private accommodation providers to obtain accreditation at a cost of up to R200 per bed. By the end of last year, only 6.5% of the beds required for the 2024 academic year had been accredited under the new system. Steenhuisen believes that the "systemic corruption evident at NSFAS and the Department of Higher Education" is likely to trigger a serious crisis when students return to campuses later this month, only to find that they cannot access accommodation and are being charged to fund corruption every time they try to buy food. He explained that ANC corruption and mismanagment had created a funding shortfall of over R1.1-billion, which meant that funding would be withdrawn from over 87 000 students, in addition to the 20 000 students who were already deprived last year. "Instead of firing Nzimande and Khosa, [Ramaphosa] has remained silent, while the ANC has meekly suggested that Nzimande may appear before its so-called integrity committee. The Constitution spells out that only the President has the responsibility to act against corrupt Cabinet ministers," Steenhuisen said.

Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Blade Nzimande assured citizens that he has never used any money from any of his department's entities for the purpose of funding the South African Communist Party (SACP). Nzimande was briefing the media on the claims made in an Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) report on this and related governance issues at the Department of Higher Education and Training, calling for "genuine evidence" to be made available. Last week Outa called for the resignation of Nzimande and National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) board chairperson Ernest Khosa. Outa released voice recordings of two meetings between Khosa and a representative of a service provider which reveal how service providers allegedly paid millions of rands in kickbacks to Nzimande and Khosa, as well as at least R1-million to the SACP. This was done in return for tenders and protection for service providers. The recordings and Outa's accompanying report are the latest bombshells in exposing corruption and mismanagement at NSFAS. Nzimade explained that the SACP has already made its stance known on the "false allegations" contained in the Outa report and had rejected the allegations with "the contempt they deserve". "I also wish to place it on record that I do a lot of party political fundraising, especially for the SACP, as is the case I am sure with leaders of all political parties. However, with the strict guidance from the SACP I am not permitted to raise funds from entities under my departments," he said. Nzimande said that he was "taking the initiative" to go to the integrity committee of the African National Congress (ANC) and what is called the central ethics committee of the SACP to account and place "his side of the story". "…But cooperating with any law enforcement agency I do not have a problem because I have no fear," he said. He noted that the publishing of the report and leaking of the recording was "calculated" to disrupt the smooth start of the academic year and said it had no regard for the "plight and well-being" of poor and working class students. "In any case, an organisation such as Outa doesn't care about ordinary poor black South Africans. [It is] an organisation of the elite that serves the interests of the elite," he said. Nzimande said he would meet with the NSFAS board on Thursday to receive news of progress on the 2024 application process, finalisation of the 2023 disbursement and the implementation of the pilot project student accommodation reforms.

Democratic Alliance leader, John Steenhuisen says the South African government has never cared for its people. Steenhuisen has accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of cowardice, adding that not a single person under his leadership has served prison time for their involvement in corruption.  He was speaking to members of the media following allegations of kickbacks paid to the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande and the South African Communist Party by service providers contracted by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. Steenhuisen has joined calls by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa), ActionSA and Freedom Frontg Plus, who are calling for Nzimande and NSFAS board chairperson, Ernest Khosa to be fired.

John Maytham speaks to Rudie Heyneke, investigations manager at Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), who has called for the resignation of Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education and Training, and Ernest Khosa, chairperson of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) board. OUTA says it has  voice recordings of two meetings between Khosa and a representative of a service provider which reveal how service providers allegedly paid millions of rand in kickbacks to Nzimande and Khosa, as well as at least R1 million to the South African Communist Party (SACP). This was done in return for tenders and protection for service providers.FOR ONLINE ARTICLE: (Links to the audio recordings)https://www.outa.co.za/web/content/286201 (meeting one)https://www.outa.co.za/web/content/286189 (Meeting two)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) says municipalities must be punished for poor budgeting. Outa wants officials to be held accountable for poor financial management and failure to deliver services to communities. The organisation also highlights that municipalities face a R200 billion annual shortfall if the lack of revenue collection continues as it did between July and September. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Project Manager for OUTA's Community Action Network (CAN) Initiative, Jonathan Erasmus

WaterCan is demanding accountability from Johannesburg and Rand Water over constant water shortages. Residents in Johannesburg and Tshwane have been plagued by water supply interruptions in recent days as reservoirs in both metros were at critically low. Parts of Gauteng are still without water despite authorities reporting steady progress in reservoir recovery. WaterCAN, an initiative of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) say the lack of water is due to poor leadership and little to no maintenance of vital infrastructure. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Ferrial Adam, the Executive Manager of WaterCAN

Six men accused of the murder of corruption whistleblower Babita Deokaran are expected to appear in the high court in Johannesburg today. The case was postponed last month because one of the accused's advocates was unwell. Deokaran was shot and killed outside her home in Winchester Hills, south of Johannesburg, in August 2021. She was a senior finance official in the Gauteng Health Department. At the time of her murder, she had flagged suspicious payments worth 850 million rand to various companies. The six accused face charges of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Elvis Presslin spoke to Rudie Heyneke, Investigations Manager at the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse - OUTA...

The Constitutional Court is expected to hand down Judgment today in OUTA's constitutional challenge to the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act, AARTO and the AARTO Amendment Act. The challenge of the introduction of a new strict demerit system for traffic infringements follows last year's High Court ruling which declared parts of the legislation unconstitutional. Judgment in the matter was reserved pending confirmation from the Constitutional Court later today. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to the CEO of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa), Wayne Duvenage

The demerit system on licenses back on track after Transport department won with point system in the Constitutional Court. The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) has suffered a defeat in its bid to have the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) Act declared invalid and unconstitutional. Outa had won its case in January last year when the Pretoria High Court ruled that both the Aarto Act were inconsistent with the Constitution. However, then Transport Minister, Fikile Mbalula lodged an appeal with the ConCourt. During court proceedings , Chief Justice Raymond Zondo ruled in favour of the Transport Ministry, but made no costs order against Outa. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to OUTA CEO, Wayne Duvenage.

In this latest episode of the Radical Collaboration series with Kagiso Trust, experts discuss the pressing issues of social justice and corruption in South Africa. The conversation centers around the concept of social justice as enshrined in the country's Constitution, emphasizing equal access to basic necessities such as clean water, which is a fundamental right. However, the reality on the ground tells a different story, with disparities in the quality of services between different communities. The guests, Zukiswa Kota from the Public Service Accountability Monitor (PSAM) and Wayne Duvenage, CEO of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), shed light on the detrimental effects of corruption and the challenges faced in achieving social justice and equitable service delivery. Join us for this 6-part series with Kagiso Trust, as we explore ways of being a part of the solution and not part of the problem. Sponsored by: Kagiso Trust - https://bit.ly/3N4FZ9e Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Government seems to be pushing ahead with its plans to use Turkish company Karpowership's mounted power plants in an effort to alleviate the country's energy crisis. During his appearance before Parliament's Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), Public Enterprises Minister, Pravin Gordhan shared his thoughts on the matter, saying that if the terms are right, South Africa should use Karpowership. The company won preferential bidder status in 2021 as part of the government's emergency power procurement program, which sought to combat load shedding. Elvis Presslin spoke to the CEO of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa), Wayne Duvenage

State-owned energy utility Eskom says it appreciates the tough tariff decision made by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years, for which the utility has been granted tariff increases of 18.65% and 12.74%, respectively. The utility says it is confident the decision will positively contribute from a financial and sustainability point of view, while the revenue determination of R319-billion and R352-billion for the financial years, respectively, will allow a further migration towards a price level that reflects the efficient cost of producing electricity. Eskom has also apologised for the extent of loadshedding, saying it understands the severe impact it has on businesses and individuals. However, representatives from the business, labour and government spheres have expressed outrage over the persistent tariff increases that seem to lead nowhere. For South Africans, there is no escape from spiralling electricity prices and increased loadshedding, as customers are expected to shore up the country's failed electricity utility, comments the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa). Although the 2023/24 financial year's grant came in below the 32% hike that Eskom requested, it is still well above the inflation-linked levels that most stakeholders believe should have been implemented. Outa says Eskom is experiencing huge pressure to improve its energy availability factor to above 65% to meet the regulator's conditions, while not being given the full extent of its 32% tariff increase application. The tariff increase is applicable for Eskom's direct customers, including municipalities, from April 1, while the increase from the municipalities' side will kick in from July. Outa, which formally requested Nersa to grant Eskom only a maximum consumer price index tariff increase, says it is outraged at government's failure to help South Africans weather this storm. The organisation believes government, particularly Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe can do better to fast-track independent power producer (IPP) procurement, instead of leaving Eskom with no choice but to use expensive diesel-powered open-cycle gas turbine generators to reduce loadshedding. While it is unclear what Nersa will do if Eskom does not meet its energy availability requirement, Outa Parliamentary adviser Liz McDaid says it is encouraging that Nersa is pushing Eskom on this. Outa commends Eskom for acknowledging that corruption adds to the breakdowns at coal-fired power stations, but believes more urgent and decisive efforts to address corruption are needed. Meanwhile, the Midvaal local municipality comments that the price of electricity has risen by more than 500% in the past 16 years, with Eskom continuing to receive billions of rands in bailouts, and, yet, South Africans currently face not having electricity for up to nine hours a day. On top of this, the municipality explains that increased loadshedding stages have an adverse effect on the municipality's electricity infrastructure and network, including equipment failures and increased instances of cable theft. The municipality is in the process of getting an embedded generation policy in place, which will result in the municipality introducing a feed-in tariff for solar users to supply energy into the grid. It encourages more municipalities to consider this route. Representing the broader voice of local government, South African Local Government Association says consumer debt to municipalities stands at R289-billion as it stands, without the impending tariff increase. The association deems the current electricity model - of municipalities putting a mark-up on Eskom's direct supply of electricity and then selling to households - as fundamentally flawed. The association is advocating for legislative reforms that will enable municipalities to generate their own electricity and purchase electricity from IPPs. Moreover, SALGA would like to see m...

Gauteng motorists who have been paying their e-tolls will be refunded. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says a decision still has to be taken on what form the refunds will take - for example, in cash or as credit for future use of other toll roads. The e-toll system was due to be scrapped on 31 December 2022 but has been delayed. Now R6.9 billion has to be found to refund Gauteng motorists who had subscribed and paid for Gauteng E tolls. For this discussion, Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to Wayne Duvenage CEO of The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), AND Fred Nel-Gauteng Shadow MEC of Transport and road infrastructure...

Motorists in Gauteng will be breathing a collective sigh of relief after Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi confirmed "we are now ready to start a new life without e-tolls in Gauteng". This clarity comes in the wake of pronouncements made by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in his mid-term budget policy statement. Godongwana announced National Treasury will on board 70% of SANRAL's debt while the Gauteng provincial government will cover the remaining 30%. Godongwana said "...the costs of maintaining the 201 kilometres and associated interchanges of the roads and any additional investment in road will be funded through either the existing electronic toll infrastructure or new toll plazas, or any other revenue source within their area of responsibility." But any confusion over whether future funding models would include e-tolling has been put to bed by Lesufi. BizNews correspondent Michael Appel spoke to Automobile Association spokesperson Layton Beard in the wake of the announcement. Meanwhile, Wayne Duvenage from the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse - OUTA - says this is the culmination of the biggest civil disobedience campaign in the country's democratic history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eskom is requesting the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) to approve diesel costs of R16.9-billion for its upcoming financial year in line with a material upward revision in the assumed load factor of its diesel-fuelled open cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) from 5% to 12%. The increase is designed to accommodate a steep reduction in the expected energy availability factor (EAF) from the State-owned utility's coal-dominant fleet, which has been reduced to 59%. In Eskom's original fifth multiyear price determination (MYPD5) application, submitted in June last year, the assumed EAF was 72%, which was lowered to 62% in January during Nersa's adjudication of Eskom's 2023 tariff request. The regulator is currently hosting public hearings into Eskom's application for a 32% tariff hike for the 2024 financial year, followed by a 9.74% increase for 2025. Nersa granted the utility a 9.6% increase in January for the 2023 financial year, which began on April 1, against an Eskom request for a 20.5% hike. The diesel costs in the application before Nersa represent a significant increase on the R5-billion outlined in January. CFO Calib Cassim told Nersa on Monday that the change was premised on a 60% increase in the volumes of diesel that Eskom was now expecting to consume next year, together with a 40% increase in the price of the fuel, which had risen sharply following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. During the first six months of the current financial year, Eskom has spent more than R7.7-billion on diesel as it resorted to using its OCGT plants intensively to avoid or limit load-shedding. Rotational power cuts have been implemented for more than 100 days so far in 2022 to close gaps left by the poorly performing coal fleet and the prolonged unavailability of Koeberg Unit 2, which has tripped again following a recent extended maintenance. Eskom has a R500-million diesel budget remaining, but has already indicated that it expects to spend a similar amount on diesel during the second half of the financial year to the end of March as it has year-to-date. Overall, Eskom is seeking R101-billion for primary energy next year to cover expected coal costs of R69-billion (slightly down on the R70-billion outlined in January), diesel cost of R16.9-billion, and start-up fuel oil costs of R6.8-billion (more than double the R3.1-billion assumed in January). Nersa regulatory member Muzi Mkhize questioned Cassim on why consumers should be expected to pay for the additional diesel costs when such costs would not have been incurred had Eskom sustained an EAF of 72%. In response, Cassim argued that resorting to the OCGT plants as a “last resort” was prudent to reduce the cost to the economy of power interruptions. Eskom's application also outlines a large increase in the depreciation allowance, which accounts for 10.67% of the 32% being sought. The utility argues that the depreciation adjustment arises from an “incorrect” regulatory asset base (RAB) valuation by Nersa in a 2021 tariff decision, whereby the regulator reduced Eskom's RAB from over R1.2-trillion to about R550-billion. Eskom subsequently took the RAB aspect of the decision on legal review and a ruling could be made prior to the next Nersa tariff determination. In total, Eskom is requesting allowable revenue of R351-billion, which includes R15-billion arising from a settlement reached after the Supreme Court of Appeal ordered that the remaining portion of a R69-billion government equity injection, which was found to have been deducted incorrectly from Eskom's MYPD4 revenue, be recouped. It also includes an amount of R1.7-billion arising from a R3.4-billion Regulatory Clearing Account amount awarded to Eskom, which had not yet been liquidated. The Eskom request is facing strong opposition from business and civil society groups, with the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) calling on Nersa during the first day of hearings to limit any increase to the consumer price index. “If the economy...

Eskom is requesting the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) to approve diesel costs of R16.9-billion for its upcoming financial year in line with a material upward revision in the assumed load factor of its diesel-fuelled open cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) from 5% to 12%. The increase is designed to accommodate a steep reduction in the expected energy availability factor (EAF) from the State-owned utility's coal-dominant fleet, which has been reduced to 59%. In Eskom's original fifth multiyear price determination (MYPD5) application, submitted in June last year, the assumed EAF was 72%, which was lowered to 62% in January during Nersa's adjudication of Eskom's 2023 tariff request. The regulator is currently hosting public hearings into Eskom's application for a 32% tariff hike for the 2024 financial year, followed by a 9.74% increase for 2025. Nersa granted the utility a 9.6% increase in January for the 2023 financial year, which began on April 1, against an Eskom request for a 20.5% hike. The diesel costs in the application before Nersa represent a significant increase on the R5-billion outlined in January. CFO Calib Cassim told Nersa on Monday that the change was premised on a 60% increase in the volumes of diesel that Eskom was now expecting to consume next year, together with a 40% increase in the price of the fuel, which had risen sharply following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. During the first six months of the current financial year, Eskom has spent more than R7.7-billion on diesel as it resorted to using its OCGT plants intensively to avoid or limit load-shedding. Rotational power cuts have been implemented for more than 100 days so far in 2022 to close gaps left by the poorly performing coal fleet and the prolonged unavailability of Koeberg Unit 2, which has tripped again following a recent extended maintenance. Eskom has a R500-million diesel budget remaining, but has already indicated that it expects to spend a similar amount on diesel during the second half of the financial year to the end of March as it has year-to-date. Overall, Eskom is seeking R101-billion for primary energy next year to cover expected coal costs of R69-billion (slightly down on the R70-billion outlined in January), diesel cost of R16.9-billion, and start-up fuel oil costs of R6.8-billion (more than double the R3.1-billion assumed in January). Nersa regulatory member Muzi Mkhize questioned Cassim on why consumers should be expected to pay for the additional diesel costs when such costs would not have been incurred had Eskom sustained an EAF of 72%. In response, Cassim argued that resorting to the OCGT plants as a “last resort” was prudent to reduce the cost to the economy of power interruptions. Eskom's application also outlines a large increase in the depreciation allowance, which accounts for 10.67% of the 32% being sought. The utility argues that the depreciation adjustment arises from an “incorrect” regulatory asset base (RAB) valuation by Nersa in a 2021 tariff decision, whereby the regulator reduced Eskom's RAB from over R1.2-trillion to about R550-billion. Eskom subsequently took the RAB aspect of the decision on legal review and a ruling could be made prior to the next Nersa tariff determination. In total, Eskom is requesting allowable revenue of R351-billion, which includes R15-billion arising from a settlement reached after the Supreme Court of Appeal ordered that the remaining portion of a R69-billion government equity injection, which was found to have been deducted incorrectly from Eskom's MYPD4 revenue, be recouped. It also includes an amount of R1.7-billion arising from a R3.4-billion Regulatory Clearing Account amount awarded to Eskom, which had not yet been liquidated. The Eskom request is facing strong opposition from business and civil society groups, with the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) calling on Nersa during the first day of hearings to limit any increase to the consumer price index. “If the economy...

In a letter issued by President Cyril Ramaphosa on August 29, he said his administration's efforts to root out corruption were starting to yield results, with the Hawks reporting that, between the 2019 and 2022 financial years, 554 suspects had been arrested for corruption, 142 of whom were convicted. The latest of those involved in wholesale corruption to be brought to book are those allegedly involved in State capture through the plundering of State-owned Transnet. Asset management firm Trillian founder and financial institution Regiments shareholder Eric Wood, along with Albatime director Kuben Moodley appeared at the Palm Ridge court today, in Ekurhuleni, alongside former Transnet CEO Brian Molefe and CFO Anoj Singh, in connection with alleged fraud and corruption perpetrated seven years ago. The disgraced former Transnet executives were arrested early in the morning along with former Regiments executive director Niven Pillay and former Regiments CEO Litha Nyhonyha. These suspects joined Moodley, Wood and former Transnet acting CFO Garry Pita and former Transnet treasurer Phetolo Ramosebudi, as well as Trillian co-founder Daniel Roy, in the dock on charges of fraud and corruption relating to Transnet's procurement of 1 064 freight locomotives – a deal that cost South African taxpayers R189.2-million. Nonprofit organisation Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) has welcomed the arrests, stating that Molefe and Singh had much to account for when it comes to the billions of rands South Africa lost as a result of State capture. “They were not only involved in State capture at Transnet, but also later at Eskom, the State's crippled power utility. We are also happy to see that Outa's referrals and submissions on State capture to the law-enforcement agencies contributes to the arrest of State capturers,” Outa CEO Wayne Duvenage said. Solidarity has also welcomed the arrests after Solidarity filed criminal charges against Molefe and Singh at the Brooklyn Police Station, in Pretoria, earlier this year. Solidarity said that, although these arrests are positive, justice had already been delayed for far too long, and that South African citizens deserved immediate action from the South African Police Service and other structures regarding other alleged State capturers. “The absolute injustice of years of corruption and theft cannot continue any longer because of endless delays on the part of our criminal justice system . . . Continuous pressure must be exerted on our security services to do their job, and any further dragging of feet will not be tolerated. “State capturers have robbed workers of their jobs and future and have stolen taxpayers' hard-earned money. We cannot allow it," Solidarity CEO Dr Dirk Hermann said. Solidarity contended that the damage caused by corruption was not limited to financial loss as it has also destroyed the State's ability to provide essential services, while also breeding distrust among citizens towards the South African justice system. “In order to purchase the locomotives, Transnet secured a $2.5-billion loan facility from the China Development Bank, the so-called CDB loan,” Outa State capture expert Rudie Heyneke explained. The 2015 loan, of which $1.5-billion was drawn down, formed part of the financing for the purchase of the locomotives, of which some were purchased from the China State-owned locomotive manufacturer CRRC . The balance of $1-billion was financed through a so-called “club loan” in South Africa. Investment banking firm JP Morgan was replaced by Trillian as the lead arranger and, for that, an additional R93-million was paid by Transnet to Trillian. “The original accused appeared previously for irregularities on this transaction. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has now also charged Molefe, Singh, Pillay and Nyhonyha for irregularities regarding the CDB loan,” Heyneke explained. In August 2020, Outa submitted a detailed referral to the Investigating Directorate on how the Tra...

In a letter issued by President Cyril Ramaphosa on August 29, he said his administration's efforts to root out corruption were starting to yield results, with the Hawks reporting that, between the 2019 and 2022 financial years, 554 suspects had been arrested for corruption, 142 of whom were convicted. The latest of those involved in wholesale corruption to be brought to book are those allegedly involved in State capture through the plundering of State-owned Transnet. Asset management firm Trillian founder and financial institution Regiments shareholder Eric Wood, along with Albatime director Kuben Moodley appeared at the Palm Ridge court today, in Ekurhuleni, alongside former Transnet CEO Brian Molefe and CFO Anoj Singh, in connection with alleged fraud and corruption perpetrated seven years ago. The disgraced former Transnet executives were arrested early in the morning along with former Regiments executive director Niven Pillay and former Regiments CEO Litha Nyhonyha. These suspects joined Moodley, Wood and former Transnet acting CFO Garry Pita and former Transnet treasurer Phetolo Ramosebudi, as well as Trillian co-founder Daniel Roy, in the dock on charges of fraud and corruption relating to Transnet's procurement of 1 064 freight locomotives – a deal that cost South African taxpayers R189.2-million. Nonprofit organisation Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) has welcomed the arrests, stating that Molefe and Singh had much to account for when it comes to the billions of rands South Africa lost as a result of State capture. “They were not only involved in State capture at Transnet, but also later at Eskom, the State's crippled power utility. We are also happy to see that Outa's referrals and submissions on State capture to the law-enforcement agencies contributes to the arrest of State capturers,” Outa CEO Wayne Duvenage said. Solidarity has also welcomed the arrests after Solidarity filed criminal charges against Molefe and Singh at the Brooklyn Police Station, in Pretoria, earlier this year. Solidarity said that, although these arrests are positive, justice had already been delayed for far too long, and that South African citizens deserved immediate action from the South African Police Service and other structures regarding other alleged State capturers. “The absolute injustice of years of corruption and theft cannot continue any longer because of endless delays on the part of our criminal justice system . . . Continuous pressure must be exerted on our security services to do their job, and any further dragging of feet will not be tolerated. “State capturers have robbed workers of their jobs and future and have stolen taxpayers' hard-earned money. We cannot allow it," Solidarity CEO Dr Dirk Hermann said. Solidarity contended that the damage caused by corruption was not limited to financial loss as it has also destroyed the State's ability to provide essential services, while also breeding distrust among citizens towards the South African justice system. “In order to purchase the locomotives, Transnet secured a $2.5-billion loan facility from the China Development Bank, the so-called CDB loan,” Outa State capture expert Rudie Heyneke explained. The 2015 loan, of which $1.5-billion was drawn down, formed part of the financing for the purchase of the locomotives, of which some were purchased from the China State-owned locomotive manufacturer CRRC . The balance of $1-billion was financed through a so-called “club loan” in South Africa. Investment banking firm JP Morgan was replaced by Trillian as the lead arranger and, for that, an additional R93-million was paid by Transnet to Trillian. “The original accused appeared previously for irregularities on this transaction. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has now also charged Molefe, Singh, Pillay and Nyhonyha for irregularities regarding the CDB loan,” Heyneke explained. In August 2020, Outa submitted a detailed referral to the Investigating Directorate on how the Tra...

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula says cabinet will announce its decision on the future of e-tolls as a funding mechanism for Gauteng freeways in October this year. However, Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) chief executive Wayne Duvenage tells BizNews it has heard these sorts of commitments for years. Mbalula told a press conference last week that one funding option on the table was to increase the fuel levy in Gauteng, but in light of the skyrocketing fuel prices and the increasing burden on consumers, this was no longer an option. Duvenage says, “They've already allocated funds via Treasury to Sanral to offset these Gauteng Freeway Improvement bonds to the tune of over R14bn in the last six years. So, they've been practising that mechanism of financing for some time now.” Electronic toll collection, known as e-tolls, is wildly unpopular and the vast majority of motorists have refused to pay. Duvenage believes the highest payment compliance rate Sanral was able to achieve was 40% in June 2014. It is widely acknowledged that compliance rates of over 90% are required for the funding model to be feasible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

he Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has called for the Gauteng Department of Health to suspend the CEO at the Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital with immediate effect. This follows reports that whistle-blower and Paediatric Gastroenterologist, Dr Tim de Maayer is expected to be served with a warning letter by the department after he wrote an open letter in which he cited horrendous conditions at public hospitals as contributors to the deaths of children. Elvis Presslin spoke to OUTA CEO, Wayne Duvenage

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) believes South Africans can take heart from the recent arrest of several former Transnet and Gupta loyalists. Just in the last week, the National Prosecuting Authority's Investigating Directorate, together with the Hawks, effected the arrests of five high-profile individuals linked to allegations of state capture at parastatal Transnet. The accused include former Transnet chief executive Siyabonga Gama, former Transnet acting CFO Garry Pita, former Transnet Treasurer Phetolo Ramosebudi, former Trillian Capital executive Daniel Roy, and Regiments Capital shareholder Eric Wood. The five accused, arrested on 27 May, join Kuben Moodley, a Gupta-fixer and the director of Albatime, in the dock on charges of fraud, corruption, money laundering and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act. Moodley, however, was arrested in September 2021 already. The accused are all out on bail on various amounts of between R25 000 and R250 000 and are due back in the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court on 13 July 2022. For more on the exact nature of the allegations click here.

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has called on Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana to extend the R1.50 per liter temporary reduction of the general fuel levy beyond 31 May. This is as government deliberates whether to continue with its fuel price relief intervention introduced in March, as the latest data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) shows that consumers could see another huge increase in fuel prices in the coming months. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has warned that the price of petrol and diesel may increase to over twenty-five rands a litre if government fails to extend the temporary relief on fuel taxes beyond the 31st of May.  OUTA has written to Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana requesting that the treasury considers a phased-in approach over three months at fifty cents a month. The relief measures were announced in April where National Treasury reduced the general fuel levy by R1.50 for price adjustments in both April and May.  OUTA CEO, Wayne Duvenage explains...

Wayne Duvenage, the CEO at Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) explains why it would be better for private companies to invest more in the economy and manage key sectors. Piet Mouton, PSG Group on how far they are with their restructuring plans. On Other People's Money, Sheldon Tatchell founder of the Legends Barbershop talks about cutting hair and his relationship with money See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gina Schoeman, senior economist at Citi Bank gives farewell to DG Dondo Mogajane who is stepping down from his position at Treasury. Wayne Duvenage, CEO at Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa)| on the campaign to clamp down corruption and to defend democracy. Maya Fisher-French, Personal Finance Journalist at Maya on Money explains RSA Retail Bonds and their benefits. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wayne Duvenage is a South African businessman, entrepreneur, and civil activist. He is currently the CEO of the South African corruption-fighting civil action organization, Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), involved in fighting corruption and maladministration across all spheres of government in South Africa. ---- Guest Links ----- https://twitter.com/OUTASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor https://web.facebook.com/wayne.duvenage?_rdc=1&_rdr https://twitter.com/wayneduv?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor https://www.outa.co.za/ WorldView is a media company that delivers in-depth conversations, debates, round-table discussions, and general entertainment. Most of our content will be focused on news and politics, centered on South Africa. But the rest will be chats with figures around the world and from all walks of life to create a package that will inevitably broaden your WorldView. ---- Links ----- https://twitter.com/Broadworldview https://web.facebook.com/BroadWorldView https://anchor.fm/broadworldview You can donate at https://www.patreon.com/user?u=46136545&fan_landing=true Music: https://www.bensound.com

Civil society advocacy group, the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) says it estimates that come 1 April 2022, South Africa will have well over one million motorists with expired driver's license cards. The organization says this is a significant problem that government will not be able to wish away or dump in the laps of its citizens. OUTA CEO, Wayne Duvenage has called on the transport minister, Fikile Mbalula to extend the deadline for expired driving license cards or risk what he calls starting a war with motorists. Elvis Presslin spoke to OUTA CEO, Wayne Duvenage

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) has played a critical role in leading the fight against e-tolls and in holding government accountable. Outa chief executive Wayne Duvenage is a speaker at the BizNews Conference (BNC#3) taking place in the Drakensberg and spoke to Michael Appel on a range of issues following his presentation providing a state capture snapshot.

The Pretoria High Court on 13 January declared the AARTO Amendment Act, on which the planned demerit system for traffic offences is based, unconstitutional and invalid.  The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) had challenged the act and its amendment, saying that there had been no consultation.  Kfm Mornings called up Wayne Duvenage, CEO of Outa about their win in court.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The High Court in Pretoria has declared the AARTO Amendment Act, on which the planned demerit system for traffic offences is based, unconstitutional and invalid. The court delivered the ruling a short while ago. This after the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) challenged the constitutional validity of the Act. In October last year the organisation asked the court to declare both the main Act and the amendment Act unconstitutional. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to OUTA Chief Executive Officer Wayne Duvenage 

This week's mid term budget policy statement, presented by National Treasury, is the focus in this edition of the Business Day Spotlight. Our host Mudiwa Gavaza is joined by Wayne Duvenage, CEO of Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA). Topics of discussion include: reactions to minister Enoch Godongwana's first medium-term budget; the tone struck by government and its plans to fix the economy; items that could have been addressed; the health of state owned enterprises; ways to fix the current spate of power outages at Eskom; and an outlook for next year's budget.

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse - OUTA -  has dismissed as outrageous and unacceptable, a proposal by the Department of Transport which seeks to charge motorists a R250 fee when booking for license renewals online. This comes after Minister Fikile Mbalula published the proposed draft Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) Regulations 2021, which seek to amend the 2007 regulations. The organisation says it will be writing to the Minister to request the record of decision that motivated the introduction of these fees and will make a formal submission on the proposal. We spoke to OUTA CEO, Wayne Duvenage...  

A government gazette outlining proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Management Corporation's (RTMC) fees has caused outrage among motorists and civil society organisations in recent days. Organisations including the Automobile Association (AA) of SA and the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) have taken strong exception to the proposed fees.

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) says it believes a decision on the controversial e-Toll system has been made and an announcement will be made soon. Outa’s Wayne Duvenhage was speaking to Radio Islam about the comments by Gauteng transport MEC Jacob Mamabolo telling a mainstream radio station on Thursday that e-tolls had already been scrapped.

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) is to make a submission to Parliament's Standing Committee on Appropriations, calling for government to half the bailout of SAA subsidiaries. Bongani speaks to Outa CEO Wayne Duvenage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The high court in Pretoria has heard that former board chairperson of the South African Airways , Dudu Myeni is dishonest, flouted governance procedures and should therefore be declared a delinquent director. That's the argument brought forward by the the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) which took Myeni to court. OUTA and SAA Pilots Association (SAAPA) approached the high court in a bid to declare her a delinquent director for life. The organisations accuses Myeni of obstructing key deals and interfering in operational issues. The court heard closing arguments from both parties on Friday. Phumzile Mlangeni reports...

Former South African Airways (SAA) board chairperson, Dudu Myeni is back at the High court in Pretoria. Myeni is on the stand to give testimony in a case that was brought before the court by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) and South African Airways Pilots' Association (SAAPA) asking the court to declare her unfit, citing that Myeni had put the airliner into financial chaos during her six year term as board chairperson. We spoke to our reporter, Leila Magnus..

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) says it welcomes Mboweni's announcement that State owned Enterprises will no longer get bailouts, but loans repayable with interest. Outa has also reacted to government's decision to retain the e-tolling system in its current form.

Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) says motorists should not ignore summons issued by SANRAL for the non-payment of E-Tolls. Earlier this week, the Electronic Toll Collection, acting on behalf of SANRAL had warned defaulting toll users not to ignore summons to settle their accounts as this may lead to them being blacklisted. The Credit Bureau Association has however dismissed this saying the current legislation excludes the levying and collection of e-tolls from the provisions of the National Credit Act

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has won an urgent interim interdict in the Pretoria High Court against the Bank of Baroda. The instution has frozen R1.75 billion in the Gupta-owned Optimum and Koornfontein coal mines' rehabilitation trust fund accounts. This, follows the dismissal of the Guptas' application to stop the bank from closing their accounts last week. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to OUTA Chief Operating Officer, Ben Theron

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has come out strongly condemning death threats against former SASSA CEO Thokozani Magwaza. This follows media reports that Magwaza has been threatened out of his job which he consequently resigned from. In a statement, OUTA says it hopes the authorities will not appoint a compliant stooge who will just agree with Minister Bathabile Dlamini's original intention to have the social grants distributed at huge cost. Sakina Kamwendo speaks Dominique Msibi, who is the Portfolio Director at OUTA

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) says it has put together a "compelling" document detailing the extent of South Africa's alleged state capture. The organisations says it plans to present this to Parliament. The document is based on Outa's own investigation and reports by the Public Protector, the Council of Churches & the Public Affairs Research Institute. Outa says the move aims to ensure Parliamentarians are well informed ahead of the vote on a motion of no confidence in President Jacob Zuma. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to OUTA's Chairperson Wayne Duvenage...

The South African National Roads Agency, SANRAL, says it welcomes the Pretoria High Court judgment for the non-payment of e-tolls. The court has ruled against an Alberton-based company which reportedly owes SANRAL, over 400-thousand rand in e-toll fees. Sanral says the judgment sets a precedent for those who do not pay e-toll debt to be prosecuted. However, Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), says the judgment has nothing to do with the legality of the tolling system and is not precedent setting in any way. Tsepiso spoke to OUTA chairperson Wayne Duvenage

SAA chairperson Dudu Myeni is still studying legal papers , this after The South African Airways Pilots' Association (SAAPA) announced that it will start legal proceedings to have SAA chairperson Dudu Myeni declared unfit to hold office. The Association says it will be collaborating with lobby group the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) in the legal action. SAAPA says they believe SAA is in distress as a direct result of dysfunctional leadership. SAAPA represents more than 780 South African Airline Pilots. Elvis Preslin speaks to Dudu Myeni chair of SAA board and Mhlathuze Water Authority board speaking to us in her personal capacity