Businessman George van der Merwe has spoken publicly about a range of allegations, legal disputes and business interests in an interview with the Middelburg Observer.

Van der Merwe, who has been involved in the mining and technology sectors, has recently been linked to several legal matters and business disputes. During the interview, he addressed questions about his background, past business relationships, ongoing legal proceedings and his involvement in community initiatives in Middelburg.

Several of the matters discussed are currently before the courts, and Van der Merwe indicated that he would not comment in detail on issues that are sub judice.

Why he chose the Middelburg Observer

Q: Why did you choose the Middelburg Observer as the platform to speak publicly?

George van der Merwe:
I chose the Middelburg Observer because it has been part of the community for more than 30 years and understands the local dynamics. Over the years it has reported on the rise and fall of many influential families in the town.

In my view, media outlets based in larger cities such as Johannesburg may not always fully understand the local environment or the dynamics within smaller communities. I believe the Middelburg Observer is well positioned to understand the context of issues affecting this area.

Early life and education

Q: Can you describe your background and education?

George van der Merwe:
I was born in the Eastern Cape and spent most of my school years in Kroonstad in the Free State.

After school I enrolled at Rand Afrikaans University to study computer science. I did not complete the degree because I became involved in business during my second year when the computer industry was expanding rapidly.

At that time I began working in computer hardware and technology-related businesses. According to Van der Merwe, he generated his first significant income while still living in university accommodation and continued to develop businesses in the IT hardware sector.

Business relationship with the Guptas

Q: You worked with the Gupta family for many years. How did that relationship begin?

George van der Merwe:
The relationship started in 2001. At the time I was working as a computer hardware specialist and running a successful business. The Gupta family, who owned Sahara Computers, were importing hardware at competitive prices but, according to my experience, they did not have detailed technical knowledge of the equipment.

I began assisting them with the configuration and building of computer systems. In return I received favourable pricing on hardware as part of the arrangement. That is how the professional relationship developed.

According to Van der Merwe, the working relationship with the Gupta family lasted approximately 18 years.

Q: What did you learn from the Gupta brothers during that time?

George van der Merwe:
I learned a great deal from them. The first brother I met was Atul Gupta, who I found to be very knowledgeable about infrastructure and business development. I later met Rajesh Gupta, also known as Tony Gupta. According to my experience, he was very strong in strategic decision-making, sales and finance.

Working with them exposed me to large-scale business operations and project management.

Q: Were you aware of any wrongdoing linked to the Gupta network during that time?

George van der Merwe:
I was not involved in anything illegal. My role was operational and focused on technical aspects of the business. The Guptas brokered deals  while Van Der Merwe brought the business plans to life. They didn’t interfere with respective roles.

Van der Merwe also stated that he was never named in the so-called Gupta Leaks and was not called to testify before the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into state capture. ‘It is self explanatory’.

Q: Were you ever asked to do anything that could be considered corrupt or unlawful while working with the Gupta businesses?

George van der Merwe:
No. I was never involved in anything illegal. Whether such activities took place elsewhere in their operations is not something I have knowledge of.

Expansion into mining operations

Van der Merwe said his business interests later expanded from technology into mining operations.

Q: What roles did you hold in mining-related businesses?

George van der Merwe:
I initially worked in IT roles but later became involved in mining operations around 2008 or 2009. Over time my responsibilities expanded, and by 2018 I was involved in managing operations across several provinces with a workforce of several thousand people.

Q: What is Veralogix?

George van der Merwe:
Veralogix is a company I started in 2018. It functions as a holding structure for several business interests.

According to Van der Merwe, the company focuses on activities across the mining value chain, which he described as “pit to port” operations.

Business disputes involving mining operations

Van der Merwe confirmed that he has been involved in business disputes related to mining operations, including matters involving Liberty Coal.

Q: What happened with your partnership with Liberty Coal?

George van der Merwe:
From my understanding, Liberty decided to internalise certain services that were previously outsourced. I am pursuing my remedies through the appropriate legal processes.

Van der Merwe also stated that certain disputes involving community issues and mining operations are currently the subject of legal proceedings.

Allegations of intimidation and threats

Van der Merwe has recently faced allegations of intimidation in connection with business disputes.

Q: You have been accused of threatening business rivals and their families. How do you respond?

George van der Merwe:
The matter is currently before the courts, so I cannot comment in detail. I deny threatening anyone.

Q: There have also been allegations relating to an alleged R2.5 million plot involving hired attackers.

George van der Merwe:
That matter is also sub judice, and I cannot comment on the details. I trust the legal process will deal with the allegations.

Arrest and detention

Van der Merwe confirmed that he was arrested earlier this year.

Q: You spent several days in custody. What happened?

George van der Merwe:
I was arrested on 12 February 2026 in Ladismith in the Western Cape. I remained in custody until 19 February 2026 when I was released by the Randburg Magistrates Court.

According to Van der Merwe, his legal representatives are reviewing the circumstances surrounding his detention.

Security concerns

Q: Why do you employ private security?

George van der Merwe:
The mining sector can be challenging and sometimes volatile. I have received threats in the past and have therefore employed security personnel.

Community involvement in Middelburg

Van der Merwe also spoke about several community initiatives that he says he and his family have supported in Middelburg.

Q: Can you elaborate on your involvement in community projects?

George van der Merwe:
Over the past few years we have launched a number of initiatives aimed at supporting the community. These include the Woza Festival, which focuses on identifying local talent, as well as a gender-based violence centre.

He also stated that plans are underway for the development of a 125-bed orphanage and that vehicles have been donated to the municipality to assist with service delivery.

Van der Merwe further claimed that large-scale outreach programmes have been organised during Easter and Christmas, including food distribution and the provision of gifts to children in Middelburg and Hendrina.

Ongoing legal matters

Van der Merwe confirmed that several legal matters involving his business interests are ongoing.

He said he intends to defend himself against the allegations made against him while continuing to pursue civil claims related to mining disputes.

The Middelburg Observer notes that several of the matters referred to in this interview remain before the courts, and the outcome of those proceedings will ultimately determine the findings in those cases.