Hackers could cripple SA in days, and problems with MP asset declarations

Here’s what is happening in and affecting South Africa today:

• Government IT vulnerabilities: An investigation into South Africa’s government servers revealed over 10,000 unprotected entry points, leaving sensitive information vulnerable to hackers. The gov.za domain, used by government institutions, is the main route for these vulnerabilities. While some firewalls are in place, overall cybersecurity is weak and fails to withstand most online attacks. Cybersecurity expert Karim Jaber warned that a coordinated hacking effort could cripple the country in just three days. [The Citizen]

• Lack of MP-declared assets raises eyebrows: The accuracy of South African MPs’ asset declarations has been called into question, with a Daily Maverick investigation revealing discrepancies between declared assets and publicly available information. Several MPs reported owning no property or shares despite evidence suggesting otherwise. The system relies on an “honour system,” raising concerns about accountability. [Daily Maverick]

• Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala ghosts come back: In December 2022, the National Assembly blocked an impeachment inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa over a break-in at his Phala Phala farm and the alleged cover-up. On Tuesday, the Constitutional Court heard a challenge from the EFF and ATM, questioning the legality and rationality of that decision, who ultimately reserved judgment. Justice Owen Rogers criticised the ANC’s claim that there was insufficient evidence for an inquiry and highlighted that $580,000 (about R8.7 million) had been stolen from a sofa at Phala Phala in 2020, yet no case was opened at the time, raising further concerns about the handling of the incident. [News24]

• Auditor-general hails clean audit jump: The Auditor-General, Tsakani Maluleke, announced a significant increase in clean audits for national and provincial government departments, rising from 93 in 2018/19 to 142 in 2023/24, reflecting improved financial and performance management in some departments. However, the public sector is still crippled with inefficiency, a shortage of skilled personnel, and systemic corruption, which have hindered service delivery. [Business Day]

• Markets: The rand slipped on Tuesday as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threat on its neighbours and China weighed on emerging markets. On Wednesday (27 November), the rand was trading at R18.19 to the dollar, R22.83 to the pound, and R19.08 to the euro. Oil is trading at $72.89 a barrel. [Reuters]