
Ithala resumes operations – but still can’t take deposits
Ithala has been cleared to resume core operations – excluding deposit-taking – while legal battles over its liquidation and frozen R2.47bn in deposits continue.
Ithala has been cleared to resume core operations – excluding deposit-taking – while legal battles over its liquidation and frozen R2.47bn in deposits continue.
The Minister of Finance’s bailout plan for Ithala’s retail depositors has drawn sharp criticism from KZN’s Finance MEC Francois Rodgers, who warns the deal’s fine print could leave the province footing a hefty bill.
Ithala depositors remain locked out of their funds while disputes over frozen accounts, strategic alliances, and government guarantees deepen.
The PA and the repayment administrator accuse Ithala of operating unlawfully – comparing its actions to a Ponzi scheme. Ithala argues the freezing of depositors’ accounts is a calculated manoeuvre designed to collapse its operations.
As the KwaZulu-Natal government scrambles to keep Ithala afloat, its urgent request for a R2.4 billion loan from National Treasury sparks confusion – especially given an earlier government guarantee.
Several municipalities have lost about 75% of their money.
Despite a 20-year debarment, a R143m fine, and even losing a leg in a motorcycle accident, Cobus Geldenhuis is allegedly still defrauding investors under a new alias.
A PA-commissioned solvency report questions Ithala’s financial health, raising concerns about its equity, loan book, and potential shortfall in repaying depositors.
Treasury and SASSA respond to an allegation that Ithala’s client database was ‘unlawfully’ transferred to FNB.
Scammers are preying on Banxso investors, promising to recover lost funds for a fee, the FSCA warns.
The liquidation application against Banxso claims that the number of clients deceived by the deepfake adverts is far greater than previously reported.
Leveraging the Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency, the liquidators co-ordinated with courts in the US, UK, and Australia, setting a precedent for future international crypto claims.
Investors’ money was allegedly funnelled through offshore trust accounts and ‘cleaned’ via extensive gambling activities by ‘close and related-party enablers’.
The second creditors’ meeting will be held on 3 September.
As creditors await repayment totalling nearly R2bn, preliminary investigations by the joint trustees point to potential asset recoveries totalling just over R414 million.
A provisional sequestration order for the estate of Classic Financial Services director Jacobus Geldenhuis has been granted.
Numerous individuals have been subpoenaed to appear before the Master of the High Court, to be questioned about the affairs of the sequestrated trust.
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