Deep Collusion: Bain and the capture of South Africa

by Athol Williams

Drawing on his testimony before the Zondo Commission, Williams reveals the full extent of what Bain did not want the public to know. 
Deep Collusion uncovers the inner workings of state capture design. While this book exposes corporate corruption and lifts the lid on foreign profiteering and the weakening of South Africa’s public institutions, it also highlights the lonely burden of the whistleblower and the great personal cost of telling the truth in the face of overwhelming pressure.  
 

Genres: South Africa

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2021

Reviews

[Richard S · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We need to move from this era of the bully to an era of the brave." So testified Athol Williams in front of South Africa's State Capture Commission, in charge of investigating "state capture" (where the entire state becomes part of a corrupt regime) during the Zuma administration during the 2010s. In this fascinating book, Williams sets forth the role of Bain Capital (the prestigious consulting firm) in the state capture of SARS (the South African equivalent of the IRS). Williams describes some of the worst corporate corruption I think I've ever seen, incredibly sad too, as the money stolen is money so desperately needed by the poor (especially) of South Africa. Surely, the role of a consultant isn't merely to provide advice while the store is being looted. And here there's clearly a constructive involvement in state capture.

I was just in South Africa and driving past the enormous squatters camp of Khayelitsha Township - some 2.5+ million strong - these are people living in tin sheds, with no running water - I kept asking - 28 years post-Apartheid this is all they have to show. Turns out so much money has been stolen and redirected into the pockets of corrupt government agents and their enablers, that very little progress has been made (not zero progress, but compare West Germany 28 years after World War II). This is grossly obscenely unethical behavior, and the participation of companies like Bain Capital in this type of thing is quite disturbing, even depressing. First the West loots Africa for its material resources, now it just takes the capital outright.

Athol Williams is a brave man - and a poet as well - I first heard of him as I saw he had spoken at Cape Town Poets the Monday before the session I was able to attend - and was surprised to find his story - a poet activist! Poet whistleblower! But sad to learn he felt had to leave South Africa and go into hiding because of the backlash. He's back now.

The story isn't dead - articles in the Guardian (where a Labour politician is seeking to ban Bain from any UK contracts) and the Daily Maverick in just the past week show that this story hasn't ended.

Regardless - this book should be read by all students in business schools (and maybe law schools as well) - this behavior cannot and should not pay and people engaged in these types of activities should be called to account. And please - South Africa? It's one thing when the rich are ripping each other off - but participating in the looting of the third word even if in collusion with its own leaders is a doubly heinous crime. Maybe these Bain people should spend a week in Khayelitsha Township, maybe when it rains and the water on the floor gets a foot deep, as part of their "reconciliation", or have their kids play some soccer with the ones on the fields right along the dangerous highway, as they have nowhere else to play.

[David J. Kleinhans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part exposé, part memoir of exposing. In this book, Williams lays out the damning evidence of how the international consultancy firm Bain and Company—a firm that he loved and dedicated much of his life to—had become not only corrupt but also embroiled in the South African state capture nightmare (primarily with regards to SARS, and to some extent Telkom). He lays out in eloquent, easily-digestible form the disturbing details that only a whistleblower from the inside can do. Williams’s bravery is commendable and a great example of what our society needs more of.

[Taryn Lock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A disturbing read about what Bain & Co did in South Africa and their role in state capture. The book is very well written by Athol Williams and is easy to read and understand. Much respect to whistleblower, Athol Williams, for his bravery and willingness to fight for truth and justice for South Africa.

[Bruce Harbour · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting insider/whistle-blower account of how a globally respected consultancy company were enticed into some very dubious dealings which helped to cripple SARS to the detriment of South African citizens.

[Milton Kekana · Rating 4 out of 5]

insights to state capture

It gives deep insight to what Bain did, but it is to some extent repetitive. But the book clearly qualifies the secondary captors and give a good account of them

[Muhammad Agigi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive and insightful overview from a whistleblower. Could been ~100 pages shorter though.

[Neems · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brave account by a whistleblower of state capture in South Africa. Williams writes an interesting story.

[Alexandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting take from whistleblower and academic Atholl Williams on how deep the rabbit hole goes with State Capture. Fascinating and frightening narrative on how the biggest state powers under Bain as the primary architect orchestrated the unification of the public state structures in order to facilitate mass looting. Quite an arduous read but interesting retelling of the court cases and manipulation of government and business systems.