Wendy Addison on bringing down Leisurenet, two-faced Richard Branson, life after whistleblowing

It’s just over two decades since accountant Wendy Addison tipped off SA’s Exchange Control authorities that something smelly was happening at Leisurenet, owner of 87 gyms and a darling of the JSE. As a result of her whistleblowing, Addison, a CA (SA), was forced to flee to the UK, accompanied by hard evidence of the massive fraud. But her dream job with high-profile entrepreneur Richard Branson ended when the Virgin chief opted to do a deal with the fraudsters and marched his recently appointed group treasurer out of the building - and literally into the begging lane. SA’s first high-profile commercial whistleblower reflects on life-changing years when her testimony and subsequent pressure eventually put the company’s joint MDs Rod Mitchell and Peter Gardener behind bars, explaining how she applied those experiences to shape a different life. She spoke to Alec Hogg of BizNews.

[@ianmarais7255]

Wendy you are a absolute legend! Proud to be a South African because of people like you.

[@famba0]

Absolutely brilliant Wendy. Brave. Great morals and values. Thank you

[@chantaldossantos6819]

Well done Wendy, your bravery is inspiring. As a CA(SA) it is concerning that we are expected to act ethically and report any fraud or contraventions of the law however we are not offered any protection when your life and career is at risk.

[@user-in8ht9bd6y]

Wendy you are one in a million.I know it is not a child’s play to take on big people keep on going.We are proud of you.

[@robbohnen6169]

Well done Wendy, your determination is commendable.😊

[@reginaldm707]

Thank you Wendy, so uplifting. Alec you are appreciated.

[@anastasiae7392]

I remember this part of South African history so clearly. Thank you, Wendy! Such high ethical standards discussed here, needs to return to all corporations.

[@janniekennedy4912]

We need more people like you Wendy. Thank you so much. God Bless

[@jom9494]

You restore my lost faith in people , well done and to adv. Hoffman...I always thought that Richard Branson was a creep!.."behind every great fortune is a great crime!

[@Ravensroost81]

Never fear Wendy, Bransons chickens are coming home to roost. His companies are loosing dosh hand over foot, and his island hideaway was blasted broken by a hurricane..can‘t dodge karma.

[@nonibbs]

Amazing, the UK needs more people like you(let alone SA) and they need to value them too. Thank goodness for the few good people in this world who helped you.

[@allanbartram1849]

Thanks to you both for bringing this amazing interview into our homes and businesses - all over SA I hope!

[@grantvanzyl5239]

Kudos to you Wendy you are an extraordinary human being! Congratulations & good for you! 👍👍🙏👍🙏

[@user-in8ht9bd6y]

Well done Wendy we need more people like you.Keep it up.❤

[@at7512]

The truth always wins.. thanks for your courage Wendy..👌🏽👌🏽

[@wjohnson9233]

I have great admiration for your bravery Madam & thank you. What an inspiration you are 👍🦋

[@robyncohen8542]

Wow! What an extraordinary story

[@colinread6088]

WOW!!!! What an incredible story... Thank you for sharing!

[@petrusesterhuyzen2087]

Unbelievable how there are so many corrupt & fraudsters

[@chino1terry]

What a fascinating chat...amazing work Wendy

[@susanlevinson574]

So typical of justice and our judiciary in rsa pathetic matters take ages so many must surely just give up so sad as corruption gets to glout very sad thanks wendy for being so strong positive and doing what is right you have set such a shinning example great sacrifice so glad the tides have changed salute to a victor.

[@waddison77]

Thank you for your warm + supportive messages.They're unexpected, validating and very personal. It takes a special kind of person to take the time to write such a message and it speaks of the human thread running through South Africans.

[@laralarz6904]

I've just listened to this interview, wow Wendy what an ordeal. I Thankyou for setting the bar on what an upstanding person with integrity should do. I'm sorry that you took a personal cost, but in the end you have been able to grow the seeds of more people to do the right thing and be brave.

[@rosehunter5140]

How very interesting! I remember Richard Branson helping out Virgin Active at the request of Nelson Mandela. But knew nothing of the result, being putting a whistle blower onto the streets. Thank you for enlightening me❤

[@user-ub1bj5dr3s]

Yes Rose, I wonder if Nelson ever knew anything of the result. Wendy you are an absolute hero. Certainly opened my eyes about Mr "Nice guy" Richard Branson!

[@rosehunter5140]

@@user-ub1bj5dr3s I wondered the same thing. But we all have this image of Nelson being a good guy like we thought Branson was a good guy. If someone had told Nelson that a white lady with a child had ended up begging as a result of his move to save 6000 jobs, he might have just shrugged and said " Shame'

[@markmcculloch2570]

Wow. Amazing. Pitty about richard branson. Now think he’s not on my Christmas list anymore.

[@miavos3610]

Unbelievable!! It's hard to be honest in a high-profile job!

[@9m9ify]

she must continue

[@grantfranke1]

Thank you, Wendy and Alec such a refreshing riches to rags to freedom story. Most appreciated you sharing.

[@rajrooplal7595]

Rod Mitchell is back in the gym business in CT called Ignite???

[@enzocoppola4065]

Brilliant interview with Wendy.. Well done Alec!

[@RSA692]

Wonderful story. Two South African whistleblowers that I know of had to leave the country. Can't recall their full names right now but one is Williams I think (Zondo Commission) and the other is Patricia (SAPS). I wonder if they too are reduced to having to beg on the streets of London.

[@waddison77]

I was able to support Athol Williams in securing his visa to remain in the UK

[@stuartcampbell3861]

Outstanding interview, what an amazing turn of events for this lady, good for her she deserves it honesty is still the best policy.

[@9m9ify]

so interesting. tons of money is still leaving SA.

[@janrabie1890]

As long as they have paid their taxes I don't blame them for moving their money offshore.

[@MarkTimeMiles]

Bravo Wendy 💪 👸 Bravo Alec and Biznews.🙌

[@peterhartley1731]

Excellent interview with an exceptional person.

[@barnesandrewj]

@richardbranson I always held to as a man to look up to! You’ve done soo much good and an example of rags to riches. How many people like Wendy Addison have been shafted like this out there, and done so without a word?! Makes one think….. 🤔🤨🤯 No more your products for me. Both in ZA and UK…

[@greenpedal370]

You only have to read a Branson biography to see he was questionable. He is a master PR man and good luck to him.

[@Uncleluckybuck]

Excellent as always! Alec… it’s time to shave your head mate! Do it… join the club

[@ianlawrie]

I always wonder, where are all these esteemed investigative journalists when all of this graft and corruption is going on? Or maybe it's not so much the journalists but who owns the media houses they work for.

[@haadidave]

Bless you Wendy

[@chrisvandermerwe106]

This also shows how much hold big companies has a hold on main stream media.

[@chrisvandermerwe106]

And the law system as well.

[@jeannotnelson4048]

Beautiful - thank you!

[@11941leechie]

Very interesting and good interview.

[@thusspokezarathustra]

Wow!! what an amazing story - would make for a very good book/documentary. When Brandon dismissed you, you should have immediately gone to the UK labour authorities and filed an unfair dismissal action - that would have cracked open the entire rotten egg. If Branson acted ethically the moment he became aware of the whistleblowing disclosure he should have immediately backed away from the deal - seems his a real nasty piece of work once the mask comes off. Bravo to you for weathering the storm so well.

[@MarkTimeMiles]

Karma coming around for Branson. Virgin Space busy collapsing. Could take all his marginal businesses down as well.

[@Magicguy13]

Great interview. All about truth.

[@chrisvandermerwe106]

and the police.

[@walter.zikalala]

Inspirational!

[@juliehilton3365]

Wow nads and mark this was so emotional but it so reminds of me and my husband when i have a problem and want to discuss anything he goes silent it drives me insane and causes me so much anxiety and stress xx

[@mixi2090]

I have always found this bible verse difficult to understand. Listening to Wendy describing Richard's conduct made me understand the verse. In the NLT bible Jesus says in Matthew 19:24 "I'll say it again-it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of A needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!"

[@irshaad_ally]

Incredible story. Lekker Wendy !

[@neilarmitage6632]

I'm listening to this interview and laugh. Not for the reasons you would think.

[@reginaldm707]

Please share the reason/s😂

[@neilarmitage6632]

@@reginaldm707 unfortunately it would cause too much controversy. Knowing the law is what counts in these instance.

[@reginaldm707]

@@neilarmitage6632 I see

[@russellhaikney3809]

Great Wendy I have always believed Branson to be a a devious creep.....his humanities is a farce

[@micheletotton9342]

Way to go!

[@videokfm]

imagine prioritising a available job opportunity to whistleblowers. You would end up with a awesome company. Or even better a awesome country.

[@gailwiegand1871]

Wow! Wonderful story. Has Wendy written any books?

[@marynadewet4634]

Very interesting

[@desmondallindrallintscmint7479]

Where is Netflix now?

[@garethyoung6067]

Brilliant

[@Stormlucy111]

What does she have to say about the c o vidian scam?

[@janrabie1890]

But correct me if I am wrong, in the end the two directors were only found guilty by acting judge Dirk Uijs of making a secret profit on the sale of two gyms in Germany?

[@johnlighton7025]

Nice pic Alec

[@goodbarbenie5477]

Ahem... "Money Has No Soul". It usually does the "Devil's" work.. Hah.

[@daylight5500]

This is a script for a movie. Don't mess with mothers.

[@christophervan6966]

Riveting.

[@peetsnort]

Richard Branson. Yeauh. People who smile ALL THE TIME are not to be trusted

[@Uncleluckybuck]

Brilliant as always! A question for Alec!! When are you going to shave your head?? Come on mate, the time is now!! Do it…

[@goodbarbenie5477]

It's as close as it gets... My estimation of rich and extraordinary well off people. U've got to be bent in some way. Having gotten to the richness that U hold. This I know of a farmer in the Free State. He was into everything. He was a pastor on Sundays preachin to his flock. To going to Namibia on " fishing trips" and bringing back diamonds... He hassled and swindled his neighbour our of his farm and gave it to his son who had 5 five farms. His other son, one day was paid a visit by the Russian Mafia. While was sitting discussing diamond dealing with a friend, the Russian came in and walked up to his friend and shot him in the head. There after things got a bit hot for him here in S. A. For illicit diamond dealing and so he hurriedly left for Russia... Hah...

[@francoispoolman9853]

When CYRIL ALL POLITICIANS MOTSHEPE SANKAM 24 MILLION SHARES GIVEN FREEBEE LEADING A COUNTRY!😢😂

[@SpencerCourtis]

Matthew 19:24 - New International Version Bible "Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Through extortion and exploitation, hundreds of thousands, millions make it in this world ...but not the next. For those who are honest, you will be blessed.

[@russellhaikney3809]

How can there be no victims?