Wednesday, April 1, 2009

FSB - this is important for all investors; DTI?

Like most things, all this activity around the Edwafin issues has its positive aspects as well. Ever since I made contact with the FSB (Financial Services Board), I have been speaking to Mr Lawrence Muravha, Analyst: FAIS Enforcement Department of the FSB. We have spoken several times and he his in charge of the investigation of Edwabond specifically (that is the subsidiary of Edwafin that is registered with them).

Some of you might have tried to contact the FSB via their internet front end: that doesn't work at the moment as they are experiencing problems with their server. Most of us know about that, and we will have to be a bit patient. Note: if you want to complain with the FSB, don't use the form on FSB's web site but write to Mr Muravha directly at the address given below. This morning, I delivered copies of documents personally to Mr Muravha, and although they are situated in a most gruesome building, near the old ghost house in Pretoria/Tshwane, he seems to be well aware of the situation and is actively working on the case.

However, he needs the help of investors. He is trying to build a database of all the investors with Edwafin and invites you to contact him to leave your details. Those investors who invested with Edwafin since 1 November 2008, are especially important, as it turns out that Edwabond continued to promote, as it still does now, even after they became aware of their financial predicament. (One lady was offered an investment opportunity at 15%, the day before yesterday, and was told that the cash flow problem would be resolved by the end of the month - well, we have seen that happen, have we not?)

Mr Lawrence Muravha's email is lawrence@fsb.co.za. Alternatively, you could also write to me at mkoppers@chromatique.com, and I will forward your information to. However, complain need to be lodged directly with him.


And then there is the DTI. Now they are a different story all together. Have you tried to contact them lately? It is probably easier to get your money from Edwafin than to get any kind of response from the DTI. They are on this mailing list, but there is not much hope.
As far as can be established, the DTI was informed of the situation some months ago already (perhaps they are the authorities Stapleton referred to), but now they are merely coasting along twiddling any thumbs they are not sitting on. Have you ever tried to get an email address from their impressive website. No joy. Like so many modern organizations they are hidden behind a call centre number, and they are not in the mood to help.
Hey guys, wake up. Your country is calling you!

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