Open Secrets Radio

In this episode, host Mamello Mosiana dives deep into Zimbabwe’s latest corruption scandal involving the Zimbabwean Electoral Commission (ZEC). The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating a shocking case of money laundering and abuse of office, centered around an over-inflated tender by South African firm Renform and the politically connected businessman Wicknell Chivayo. Leaked audio and documents reveal outrageous price inflation, with R23 million invoiced for a server worth just R90,000, highlighting a staggering 235% cost escalation. This case shines a harsh light on the pervasive state capture and corruption plaguing Zimbabwe’s procurement processes. Join Mamello as she speaks with Owen Gagare, editor at News Hawks, and Michael Marchant, Head of Investigations at Open Secrets, to unpack the intricate details of this scandal. Together, they explore the implications for Zimbabwe’s future and the fight against corruption. *UPDATE* In December 2025, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) closed its probe into Chivayo, saying that it could not find "contractual evidence" tying him to the deal. However, sources in Pretoria told the Zimbabwe Independent that the Hawk's investigation was "very much alive" in South Africa. That South African investigation was prompted when the country's Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) investigation concluded that “Ren-Form received over R1 billion from the Zimbabwe Ministry of Finance and Economic development [and that] More than R800-million was transferred to the business bank accounts of Wicknell Chivayo".   Open Secrets stands by its reporting of this investigation.   Research by Nick Donovan and Michael Marchant. Learn more about this story Open Secrets is a non-profit organisation, we do not accept funding from governments or corporations. Instead, we rely on support from generous support of individual donors and partner organisations to fund our work. Donate here to support Open Secrets.

In this episode of Open Secrets Radio, we discuss the key issues surrounding the potential implementation of a Basic Income Grant in South Africa and ask, who stands to profit?   The discussion examines the concept of a basic income grant as a form of social protection;  its potential to address poverty and inequality; and concerns around the digitization of South Africa’s grant system. Perhaps most importantly, we discuss what the potential for a basic income grant is given South Africa’s new Government of National Unity (GNU).   This podcast is based on a 3-part article series by Open Secrets, published in GroundUp.   Read all three articles in the series here https://www.opensecrets.org.za/ubig-series/   Support Open Secrets: https://www.opensecrets.org.za/contact/#supportus   Learn more about Open Secrets https://www.opensecrets.org.za   Credits Guests: Abby May, Zen Mathe, Michael Marchant Host: Nolwazi Nene Music: Certified - Timothy Infinite - licensed from Epidemic Sound Image: Shakeelah Ismail Copyright: Open Secrets

Following the release of part 1 of the State Capture Report, Open Secrets hosted a public Twitter Space, to break down the findings and recommendations of the report.  Featuring: Hennie van Vuuren, Ra'eesa Pather, Michael Marchant, Zen Mathe, Khadija Sharife Music: Mamello Mosiana Read more here  

Hlohi Ndlovu talks to Open Secrets investigators Zen Mathe and Michael Marchant about the corporations profiting from the war in yemen and how we can stop them.  Visit opensecrets.org.za/yemen to learn more. 

Our court application to have government review decisions to export arms to Saudi Arabia & the UAE. Hosted by: Mamello Mosiana & Zen Mathe Music: Kai Engel- Imminence; Kecap Tuyul- A Simple Dream

Court application by Open Secrets & UBC, represented by CALS, to challenge the appointment process of the Commissioners of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority.  Hosts: Mamello Mosiana, Michael Marchant, Zen Mathe  Music: Mello C- Pasikolu (licensed through Creative Commons)