Special Report: Exposing the Web of Corruption between Geners Limited, Target Media Group and the Minister of ICT & PS Hon. Michael Makuei Lueth
Unveiling the Minister’s Cash Cow: A Deep Dive into Geners Limited’s Shady Contracts
In a shocking exposé that threatens to unravel the very fabric of South Sudan’s government, our investigation has uncovered a staggering network of corruption involving Geners Limited, a shadowy company controlled by the Minister of ICT & PS, Hon. Michael Makuei Lueth. Through a series of meticulously orchestrated contracts, the Minister has siphoned millions of dollars from the public purse, enriching himself and his cronies while leaving the nation’s ICT infrastructure in ruins.
At the helm of Geners Limited is Mach Deng Daniel, a close associate, relative, and in-law of the Minister. Far from a coincidence, this familial connection has been instrumental in securing lucrative contracts for the company, bypassing all established procurement procedures. The Minister’s blatant disregard for transparency and accountability has allowed him to award these contracts unilaterally, without any oversight or scrutiny.
Inflated Contracts and Kickbacks: A Systematic Scheme of Enrichment
The contracts awarded to Geners Limited and Target Media Group have been consistently inflated, with exorbitant prices quoted for even the most basic services. These inflated figures serve as a smokescreen to conceal the true cost of the projects, allowing the Minister and his associates to pocket substantial kickbacks. Our investigation has revealed that millions of dollars have been diverted from the public treasury into private bank accounts, enriching those involved in this corrupt scheme.
The Minister’s abuse of power extends far beyond a single contract. Our analysis has uncovered a pattern of corruption spanning several years, with Geners Limited consistently benefiting from government contracts, regardless of its qualifications or track record. Notable examples include:
Payment of SSBC Uplink Bill through Target Media Group:
In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that a staggering sum of USD 1,000,000 has vanished into thin air. The culprits? A shadowy cabal involving the Minister of ICT & PS, Michael Makuei Lueth, and the CEO of Target Media Group Ltd, Abraham Anyang Mading.
In a letter signed by the Minister Hon. Micheal Makuei Lueth dated 20th July 2023, the Minister instructed his counterpart at the Ministry of Finance to issue a cheque worth USD 1,000,000 (One Million) in favour of Target Media Group for payment for DSTV Satellite Uplink.
Download the Payment to Target Media Group Document
It is highly questionable why a private and competitor private media entity would receive funds to make payments on behalf of the national broadcaster SSBC. Despite the payments being made to Target Media Group Limited via the Bank of South Sudan on 19th December 2023, there is no evidence that Target Media Group delivered on the DSTV satellite uplink.
Instead, Target Media Group paid a company in Dubai, UAE on 19th January 2024 USD 696,788 for the acquisition of its own private broadcast equipment. In a board meeting on 23rd February 2024, the SSBC Board wrote to Target Media Group decrying its lack of authorization and awareness of the transaction by Target Media Group to the Dubai firm and urged Target Media Group to cease from making payments on its behalf as this contravened the Public Finance Management and Procurement and Disposal Acts.
Download SSBC Objection to Target Media Group Document
Construction of the Security Perimeter Wall at Telecommunications Premise at Gumbo:
In 2020, the Minister awarded this contract to Geners Limited at a grossly inflated and staggering USD 3,689,735, despite the availability of more competitive bids.
Download 3.6 million Security Wall Document
Cleaning and Maintenance Services at Telecoms House-Gumbo:
The contract was awarded to Geners Limited without any transparent bidding process, with the Minister’s associates pocketing a significant portion of the contract value. On 10th March 2023, Geners Limited was unilaterally awarded a renewed contract worth USD 8,179,200 (Eight Million One Hundred Seventy-Nine Thousand Two Hundred US Dollars) for a further 6 years (USD 1,363,200 per annum, USD 133,600 per month).
Download the Telecoms House Gumbo Document
Furniture and Electronics Supplies:
The Minister directed government agencies to purchase furniture and electronics from Geners Limited, even though the company’s prices were far higher than those of other suppliers.
The Human Cost of Corruption: A Nation’s ICT Infrastructure in Decline
The Minister’s corrupt practices have had a devastating impact on South Sudan’s ICT infrastructure. The funds that should have been allocated to improve connectivity, expand access, and develop digital services have instead been squandered for personal gain. As a result, the nation’s ICT sector remains underdeveloped, hindering its economic growth and social progress.
