February was a landmark month for South African politics, both on the home front and on the international stage. From the State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2025, the heated debate over the (very lukewarm) Expropriation Bill, the postponed budget speech, and becoming a favoured target of the Trump regime—South Africa was in the global spotlight.
Clarence Ford speaks to Jane Borman, lawyer at Open Secrets, about #ShutdownsEverywhereYouGo, their latest report revealing how MTN and its subsidiaries have been implicated in human rights violations across Africa and the Middle East.
Open Secrets is investigating alleged human rights violations in war-torn and autocratic African and Middle Eastern countries by SA mobile giant MTN and its subsidiaries. This relates to internet shutdowns during wars and elections in markets like Afghanistan, Sudan, DRC and Nigeria. Open Secrets Investigator and #ShutdownsEverywhereYouGo author Abby May elaborates.
#ShutdownsEverywhereYouGo, a new investigation by Open Secrets, exposes MTN’s role in internet shutdowns, corruption, and human rights violations across Africa and the Middle East, revealing how the telecom giant operates with impunity and calling for urgent accountability.
MTN is celebrated in South Africa, but behind the branding lies a darker truth. This investigation uncovers its role in internet shutdowns during elections and conflicts, aiding oppressive regimes in Sudan, Iran, Uganda, and beyond.
McKinsey and Bain & Co have been included in G20 discussions. They will play a supporting role to the B20 which represents private sector interests at the Summit. Michael Marchant from Open Secrets says this reflects double standards in the way we treat corporations. He also says support is needed for the Presidency’s call to the B20 to terminate the Bain and McKinsey contracts.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it’s still experiencing challenges finalising corruption matters. Thabiso Tema spoke with Michael Marchant, Head of Investigations at Open Secrets.
This Unaccountable profile explores the involvement of BNP Paribas in enabling payments for arms transactions during the Rwandan genocide. The bank facilitated over $1.3 million in payments from the Rwandan government to arms dealer Ters Ehlers, violating UN sanctions.
Open Secrets has called on Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber to explain why South African citizenship was granted to Christoph Huber, a Swiss national under investigation for alleged war crimes in the DRC, including resource pillage and mineral smuggling.
Explore Open Secrets’ Unaccountable series: read about the controversies surrounding businessman Lawrence Mulaudzi, examining his involvement in PetroSA’s billion-rand contract and the broader implications for South Africa’s oil and gas sector