Software is launching an internal investigation after a media report alleged the company had paid kickbacks as part of SA’s wide-ranging state capture scandal in which fellow German software maker SAP has also been caught up. “Software AG is not aware of any noncompliant business practices in its South African operations,” a spokesman said. But “based on current media speculations, the company has started an internal review”. The spokesman said Software could not comment further until the review had been completed. The report, published jointly on Tuesday by the Amabhungane and the Daily Maverick’s Scorpio investigative reporting teams, alleged Software had entered into an apparent kickback deal with the Gupta family to win contracts. It said Software agreed to pay an intermediary firm linked to the Guptas, who are allies of President Jacob Zuma, to win deals with state-controlled agencies or private firms. Zuma and the Guptas have denied wrongdoing. Earlier this month, SAP named a ...

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