Digest

This podcast delves into the intricate web of right-wing extremism, mercenary activities, and political machinations in South Africa, particularly surrounding the apartheid era and its transition. It details the involvement of individuals like Janusz Walusz, Monica Huckett Stone, and Eugene de Cock, alongside groups such as the Aryan Nations and the AWB. The narrative extends to international connections, including German neo-Nazis and mercenary networks aiming to disrupt South Africa's elections. A significant portion of the episode focuses on Jack Abramoff's early career, his involvement with organizations like Citizens for America and the International Freedom Foundation (IFF), and the IFF's funding by the South African government for propaganda purposes. The film "Red Scorpion" is also examined as a propaganda project with ties to South African intelligence and Abramoff. The episode highlights how these efforts aimed to counter the ANC, influence public opinion, and maintain white minority rule, drawing parallels to later political events.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction, Sponsorships, and Series Overview

The podcast opens with sponsor mentions (Airtasker, Splatero, iFit) and introduces a mini-series focusing on international right-wing extremists and their connections to apartheid in South Africa. It also includes a correction regarding the term "Bushman" and an apology for its derogatory nature.

00:05:38

Right-Wing Extremism and Mercenary Connections

This section revisits details about Janusz Walusz, a right-wing extremist involved in the assassination of Chris Haney, and explores potential links between German mercenaries and Colonel Eugene Dukok of the South African police.

00:08:01

Aryan Nations Rally and Monica Huckett Stone's Involvement

The podcast details a 2012 Aryan Nations rally in Washington D.C., contrasting the neo-Nazi presence with a large counter-protest. It focuses on Monica Huckett Stone's participation and her past ties to the Afrikaner Resistance Movement.

00:12:54

Recap and Terrorist Cells

A recap of previous episodes covers the "white genocide" conspiracy theory and Monica Huckett Stone's connection to a bombing. It also details the "Vit Commando" terrorist cell and Monica's testimony about her alleged membership in the American Ku Klux Klan.

00:15:16

International Mercenaries and Election Disruption Plots

The episode follows German neo-Nazis and their South African accomplices, their attack in Namibia, and their involvement with the "Orda Bora Folk." It shifts focus to an international network of mercenaries aiming to disrupt South Africa's election and establish a white ethno-state.

00:18:58

Assassination of Chris Honey and Election Preparations

The assassination of anti-apartheid activist Chris Honey by Janusz Walusz is detailed, along with the subsequent investigation. The announcement of the election date and the extreme right-wing's attempts to derail the process are also discussed.

00:26:10

Kempton Park Negotiations and Historical Parallels

The podcast covers the protest by thousands of armed Afrikaner nationalists outside the World Trade Center during crucial negotiations. The narrator draws parallels between this event and the January 6th Capitol attack.

00:31:45

The Bophuthatswana Crisis and Militia Involvement

The strange events in March 1994 involving an Afrikaner nationalist militia supporting a black leader in Bophuthatswana are explored, along with the context of Bantu stands and the role of retired General Konstant Viljoen and his militia.

00:39:20

AWB's Violent Actions and the Shootout

The AWB's unauthorized arrival in Bophuthatswana and their violent actions, leading to a mutiny by Bop soldiers, are detailed. A shootout occurs, and the discovery of a bullet fired by Eugene de Cock raises questions about mercenary connections.

00:50:01

Lingering Questions and Namibian Attack Links

The episode delves into the unanswered questions surrounding the shootout, particularly the bullet from Eugene de Cock. It links Horst Klenz's participation in the 1989 Namibian attacks to the 1994 shootout, questioning the likelihood of coincidence.

00:54:50

Betrayal, Arrests, and Unraveling Plans

A report suggests Monica Huggett betrayed the German mercenaries, leading to their arrest. She is also arrested on weapons charges but makes bail. The plan to disrupt the election unravels, and mercenary Ronald Doister confesses, leading to his hiring by South African intelligence.

00:59:15

Monica Huggett's Departure and Early Abramoff Connections

Monica Huggett leaves South Africa in 1994 and later marries an American citizen. The episode explores Jack Abramoff's early political career and his connections to South African groups through the USA Foundation.

01:19:22

Jack Abramoff's South African Encounters and Front Groups

Jack Abramoff's 1983 visit to South Africa and his meeting with Russell Crystal, leader of the "Students Moderate Alliance," are detailed. It's revealed that Crystal's groups were apartheid government creations designed to disrupt activism.

01:29:32

Mobilization Efforts and Citizens for America

The National College Republican Committee's resolution supporting the Student's Moderate Alliance is discussed. Abramoff's 1984 Republican National Convention speech focused on mobilizing college voters. In 1985, he became executive director of Citizens for America (CFA).

01:32:12

Funding the Contras and the Jamba Summit

The Iran-Contra affair is explained, detailing the illegal sale of weapons to Iran to fund the Nicaraguan Contras. Abramoff organized a summit of anti-communist rebel leaders in Angola to rebrand them as "freedom fighters."

01:36:10

Jamba Summit Challenges and Departure from CFA

Abramoff's journey to Jamba, Angola, and his interactions with Adolfo Calero are described, noting the primitive conditions. The Jamba summit faced translation issues, and a letter from Reagan was presented with an omitted endorsement. Abramoff and Grover Norquist departed CFA due to financial disputes.

01:41:24

International Freedom Foundation and South African Funding

Abramoff headed the International Freedom Foundation (IFF), a think tank primarily funded by the South African government through operations like "Project Pac-Man" to counter the ANC and apartheid sanctions.

01:42:35

Stratcom, Disinformation, and Political Denials

The existence of Stratcom, a South African disinformation unit that smeared Winnie Mandela and collaborated with US conservatives, is revealed. Several US politicians denied knowledge of the IFF's South African funding despite their involvement.

01:47:56

IFF Operations and Financial Irregularities

A 1989 article noted the IFF's rapid establishment and ties to the international right-wing and intelligence communities. The IFF was barred from soliciting donations in New York for failing to provide accurate financial records.

01:49:19

IFF's Decline, Final Report, and Closure

IFF's revenue dropped when South Africa ended funding. In 1993, the IFF commissioned a report to portray the ANC negatively, funded through a slush fund. The IFF closed its doors in 1993, coinciding with the end of apartheid.

01:50:37

"Red Scorpion" Film: Propaganda and Connections

The 1988 film "Red Scorpion" is discussed as a propaganda project allegedly funded by South Africa, using South African soldiers and filming in Namibia. Evidence suggests Abramoff was aware of the film's funding and hired a South African intelligence asset.

01:58:36

Abramoff's Awareness and "Red Scorpion" Financing

Sources indicate Abramoff was aware of the IFF's funding. He claimed "Red Scorpion" was financed by private investors, including Robert Hall, who had engaged in illegal currency transactions.

02:00:50

"Red Scorpion" Flop and IFF's Demise

"Red Scorpion" flopped due to anti-apartheid pressure and budget issues. The IFF dissolved in 1993 when South African funding ceased and apartheid ended.

02:01:51

Abramoff's Later Career and Legal Troubles

By 1995, Jack Abramoff was lobbying for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, a client he would later be convicted of defrauding.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is Airtasker and what services does it offer?

  Airtasker is a platform that helps people get anything done, offering services like furniture assembly, cleaning, errands, repairs, organizing, and holiday-specific tasks like gift wrapping and decorating.

• What is the difference between a HELOC and a Splatero HEI?

  A HELOC involves monthly payments and strict income/credit requirements. A Splatero HEI provides upfront cash with no monthly payments and only requires a minimum credit score of 500, with no income requirements.

• What was the significance of the assassination of Chris Honey?

  Chris Honey, a key anti-apartheid leader, was assassinated by Janusz Walusz. His murder did not provoke the violent reprisals extremists hoped for, but highlighted their willingness to disrupt the peace process.

• What was the "Bophuthatswana Crisis" and why is it significant?

  In March 1994, an Afrikaner nationalist militia intervened in Bophuthatswana to keep a black leader in power. This event risked polarizing the South African military and emboldening white right-wingers.

• What was the role of the "Students Moderate Alliance" and "National Student Federation"?

  These student groups, founded by Russell Crystal, were creations of the apartheid government's security police, designed to spread propaganda and disrupt anti-apartheid activism.

• How did Jack Abramoff's early career connect him to South Africa?

  As chairman of the College Republicans, Abramoff organized trips for South African student leaders and planned international conferences. His USA Foundation also received donations from corporations influencing student activism.

• What was the "Information Scandal" in South Africa?

  In the 1970s, this scandal revealed the government spent millions on propaganda, including creating front groups, to undermine anti-apartheid activism domestically and internationally.

• What was the role of Jack Abramoff in the context of anti-communist movements and South African politics?

  Abramoff organized and funded anti-communist efforts, including lobbying for the Nicaraguan Contras and leading the International Freedom Foundation, which received significant funding from the South African government for propaganda against the ANC.

• How was the film "Red Scorpion" connected to South African intelligence and Jack Abramoff?

  "Red Scorpion" was allegedly funded by South African intelligence as a propaganda project. Abramoff, who claimed to base it on his experiences, hired a South African intelligence asset as an executive producer, suggesting his awareness.

• What was the purpose of the International Freedom Foundation (IFF)?

  The IFF was a think tank funded by the South African government to conduct propaganda campaigns, aiming to undermine the ANC, shape international opinion on apartheid, and combat sanctions.

• What evidence suggests that Jack Abramoff was aware of the South African government's funding of his organizations?

  Sources close to Abramoff indicated his awareness. His hiring of a South African intelligence asset for "Red Scorpion" and the IFF's direct ties to South African military intelligence also suggest his complicity.

Show Notes