Uncaptured: The true account of the Nenegate/Trillian whistleblower

by Mosilo Mothepu

When Mosilo Mothepu was appointed CEO of Trillian Financial Advisory, a subsidiary of Gupta-linked Trillian Capital Partners, in March 2016, the prospect of being at the helm of a black-owned financial consultancy was electrifying for a black woman whose twin passions were transformation and empowering women. Three months later, suffering from depression and insomnia, she resigned with no other job lined up. In October 2016, a written statement handed to Public Protector Thuli Madonsela detailing Trillian’s involvement in state capture was leaked to the media. Key to the disclosures were the removals of finance ministers Nhlanhla Nene and Pravin Gordhan from their posts due to the Guptas’ influence. Although she was not identified by name as the source of the affidavit, details of the revelations published in the Sunday Times left no doubt in the minds of Trillian’s executives: Mothepu was the Nenegate whistleblower. Despite fearing legal consequences, Mothepu had decided that she could not just stand by as the country burnt. Her disclosures resulted in the freezing of Trillian-associated company Regiments Capital’s assets and a High Court order for Trillian to pay back almost R600 million to Eskom. Facing criminal charges and bankruptcy, unemployed and deemed a political risk, Mothepu experienced first-hand the loneliness of whistleblowing. The effect on her mental and physical health was devastating. Now, in Uncaptured, she recounts this troubling yet seminal chapter in her life with honesty, humility and wry humour in the hope that others who find themselves in a similar situation will follow in her footsteps and speak truth to power.

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2021

Reviews

[Bruce Harbour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting inside story of how a highly competent woman of integrity was used and abused by the state capturers. Her bravery in standing up to ruthless corrupt business executives aided and abetted by captured state institutions caused a massive negative impact on her emotional and physical well-being being diagnosed with PTSD amongst other conditions. Her faith kept her going especially in the light of frequent let-downs and unfulfilled promises. Unfortunately, whistle-blowers become unemployable and she was no exception.

What is always interesting about books of this era is that as a South African, I was living in the same places at the same time and recognised many of the names and places. What was extra special.is the inclusion of an interaction with a good friend, ACDP MP Steve Swart, who met with her before her appearance before a portfolio committee to encourage her in her distraught state, to quote an appropriate scripture and to pray with her! An extremely complementary reference to you Steve!

[Kananelo Sebati · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a refreshingly honest account of the challenges of whistleblowing. Her writing is unfiltered which often left me wide eyed, but I do think this is an important book for people to read. If you want to understand what whistleblowers have lost in order for us to know the truth this book is a good reference.

[Amelia Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent insight into the workings of state capture in South Africa coupled with a personal story. Easy read and simplification of complex strategies used to syphon money from the State.

[Lawulani Gaba · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't believe the level of corruption that was exposed in this book. In the beginning of the book it was hard to follow but once you get into it then you will not want to put the book down.

[Bongi Mkhabela · Rating 3 out of 5]

A long way to go

I liked the honesty in the telling of the story. Did not like some of the attempts about the reasons behind the whistle blowing. Hated ingenious comments about commitment to country

[Mahadi Legodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much as I followed the Zondo commission,state capture to me has been always about thieves,thieves and thieves....it never down to me that while others were gaining others were suffering to the extend Mosilo did.Her plight left me powerless.i still can not understand how a person can go through so much and still have the courage to live.......She opened my eyes wider and my mind broader.I am really great-full to her for what she had to endure ...just to Save South Africa ......to Save us .... I feel like I will forever be indebted to her .The book is easy to read for someone who is not really interested in political jargon ,I could follow the events so chronologically...I like how I was able to google all she was quoting and it meant something different now that I understood........I am going to offer something to her just as a token of appreciation.I hope we all can do that to make it all worthwhile for her.

[Chantelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives a new perspective of the state capture and Gupta situation in South Africa. At times a bit aggravating, but mostly due to the content and the fraud and corruption that has been going on unnoticed for years. An easy read as the writer successfully describes complex topics in a way anyone can understand.