IMMEDIATE CEASE AND DESIST — UNAUTHORISED USE OF THE NAMES “BOPHUTHATSWANA” (CIPC Reg. No. 2026/177036/07)“BOPHUTHATSWANA CIVIC MOVEMENT” (CIPC Reg. No. 2026/170627/07)“BOPHUTHATSWANA CIVIL MOVEMENT..
- 1 day ago
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Open letter to South Africans: Be vigilant — don’t fall prey to fake “civic” or political outfits…!!!
Fellow South Africans,
As we approach local government elections and civic activism increases, a troubling pattern has emerged: individuals and groups presenting themselves as legitimate civic movements or political parties — but operating without lawful registration, transparency, or accountability, and pressuring vulnerable people for money, membership fees or support.
We publish this warning after a tuNEWS desktop investigation into one such case, involving an individual named Mr. Kagiso Monyadiwa. According to our enquiries and statements from people who say they were involved, Mr. Monyadiwa presented himself as a “vision carrier” and founder of a civic movement for Bophuthatswana. He is reported to have rapidly rebranded the initiative as a political party, claimed registration, opened a bank account purportedly for the organisation, collected donations and sold branded T‑shirts — yet when asked to produce proof of lawful registration he became evasive. Two women who say they were signed up as Secretary General and Treasurer have publicly distanced themselves, are withdrawing from the bank account said to have been opened under false pretence, and a formal demand letter has been issued to stop use of certain entity names. Our public records check indicates the similarly named entities registered with the CIPC are proprietary limited companies owned by other parties and are not associated with Mr. Monyadiwa.
We share this example not to sensationalise one case, but to alert communities everywhere: charismatic claims, rapid name changes, media appearances and emotional appeals do not prove legality or trustworthiness.
How to protect yourself — quick checks you can do
- Ask for proof of registration and verify it:
- For political parties: check registration with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
- For non-profit / civic organisations: check the Department of Social Development’s NPO register and the CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission) for incorporated entities.
- Ask for the registration number and look it up yourself on the official websites.
- Verify identity and authority: request official meeting minutes, constitutions, resolutions showing members’ approval for name changes or conversion to a party; check who the listed office-bearers are on official registers.
- Confirm bank and fundraising legitimacy: legitimate organisations have transparent banking and financial records. If you’re asked to give money or open accounts, insist on written authorisation, receipts, and independent verification. Beware of pressure to transfer funds to personal accounts.
- Be wary of sudden rebranding or rapid claims of mass support or “consulted the masses” without verifiable membership lists, meeting records or evidence of consultations.
- Demand transparency on goods sales and delivery (e.g., branded T‑shirts): get written terms (price, delivery date, refund policy) and receipts. If items are not delivered, treat the transaction as evidence and report it.
- Cross-check media claims: radio or social media appearances do not equal legal status. Verify statements with the relevant regulator or official registry.
- Keep records and refuse pressured decisions: do not sign documents under pressure; keep copies of ID, documents, receipts and correspondence.
- Report suspicious activity: to the IEC, CIPC, Department of Social Development (NPO Directorate), the bank involved, the South African Police Service (SAPS) if you suspect fraud, and consumer protection bodies. Banks can freeze accounts opened fraudulently; ask the bank to investigate and to act on disputes.
- Seek legal advice where substantial funds or liability are involved and consider contacting local ombuds or civil-society watchdogs for assistance.
Red flags to watch for
- Reluctance or refusal to provide registration documents or membership lists.
- Urgent, repeated requests for cash, membership fees, or transfers to personal accounts.
- Use of a name very similar to an officially registered entity without proof of association.
- Evasive responses or sudden unavailability when asked for verification.
- Pressure to sign documents or accept positions without clear paperwork or explanation of risks and responsibilities.
A request to the public
If you have been approached by anyone claiming to represent a civic movement or new political party, especially those promising quick solutions in troubled times, please take time to verify. If you have evidence of wrongdoing, undocumented fundraising, identity misuse, or false representation (including documents, bank statements, or screenshots), please report it to the relevant authorities and share details with consumer- and media- outlets so others can be warned.
Final note
Civic participation and new political voices are vital to South African democracy. But participation must be built on legality, transparency and protection of the vulnerable. Do not let desperation or goodwill be exploited by people who trade on appearances or false claims.
If you have information related to the case described above (Mr. Kagiso Monyadiwa / Bophuthatswana Civic/Civil Movement) or other similar matters, report it to the IEC, CIPC, Department of Social Development, the bank involved, and to your local police station. Together we can limit the reach of opportunists and protect our communities.
See the Open Letter herein below...
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