Magda Wierzycka on being tapped and harassed; and her view that SA has herd immunity
Former Sygnia CEO Magda Wierzycka is in the media spotlight again, this time as a victim of state spying activities. In this interview with Alec Hogg, Wierzycka says the harassment included her phone being tapped and people following her, with the Sygnia founder eventually hiring bodyguards. She also shares her views on vaccines and why South Africa has reached herd immunity.
Magda Wierzycka on being a victim of state spying:
When I became a very active critic of what was happening – not only of Jacob Zuma but also of the corruption that was happening in South Africa – I always said the corruption in South Africa was actually driven by global giant multinational companies, like McKinsey which paid bribes. Much of my knowledge came from Gupta leaks and my awareness of Gupta leaks. I became a target – and I wasn’t alone.
Former intelligence minister David Mahlobo is facing a police investigation over illegal spying activities on critics of former president Jacob Zuma. A former State Security Agency (SSA) operative’s affidavit named more than three dozen high-profile figures who were under surveillance on former president Jacob Zuma‘s instruction through high-tech equipment provided by the Russians. Among them were obvious Zuma enemies like chief justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, his former finance minister Pravin Gordhan, and ex-Public Protector Thuli Madonsela. However, names that came as a surprise were journalism professor Anton Harber, former Sygnia CEO Magda Wierzycka, and finance minister Tito Mboweni.
Wierzycka is well known for her stance against corruption and she was instrumental in exposing both the #GuptaLeaks in 2017 and the auditing firm KPMG as a facilitator of state capture within government entities. Wierzycka recently posted on Twitter that she is well aware that she has been the sub
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Mention the word ‘budget’ to someone who’s just landed their first job and their smile will quickly dissolve into a frown, with eyes as dead as the night. Yes, budgeting is a rather boring – but essential – thing that we all should do, but don’t.
It may not be exciting or allow you to blow your payslip as you wish, but it does teach you to manage your money and gain a modicum of financial discipline. Perhaps a less dreary way to describe a budget is to call it your spending plan. Working out how much you’re prepared to spend and save each month can simplify things and make sure that you’re always covered for the essentials.