Lema: The Civil Cooperation Bureau's Front Company in South Africa
In the complex landscape of South African intelligence and military operations, certain entities operated under the guise of legitimate commerce to mask their true objectives. One such entity was Lema, a specialized front company established to facilitate the goals of the Civil Cooperation Bureau (CCB).
The Origins and Structure of Lema
Lema was established in Johannesburg, South Africa, with its primary offices located in Parktown. The company was founded by Leon André Maree, a former policeman. The name "Lema" was a portmanteau, derived from the first two letters of the founder's first name (Leon) and surname (Maree).
Within the operational framework of the state, Lema was categorized as a "blue plan" front company. This designation indicated its role as a commercial facade used by the Civil Cooperation Bureau to conduct activities while maintaining a veneer of legality and business normalcy.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Commercial Operations and Funding
To the public and its trading partners, Lema appeared to be a standard export business. The company specialized in the trade of electronic goods, shipping various products from South Africa to other African nations. Its primary export catalog included:
- Electronic appliances
- Computers
- Pocket calculators
- Watches
While it maintained these commercial activities, the company's financial backing was not purely private. Lema was funded with at least R 40,000 provided by the South African Defence Force (SADF), ensuring the company had the necessary capital to maintain its operations and cover its overhead costs.
Key Facts
- Founder: Leon André Maree, an ex-policeman.
- Affiliation: A "blue plan" front company for the Civil Cooperation Bureau.
- Location: Based in Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Funding: Received at least R 40,000 from the South African Defence Force.
- Business Activity: Exported electronics, computers, calculators, and watches to other African countries.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Lema |
| Primary Location | Parktown, Johannesburg |
| Parent Organization | Civil Cooperation Bureau (CCB) |
| Funding Source | South African Defence Force (SADF) |
| Export Goods | Electronics, Computers, Calculators, Watches |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Lema?
Lema was a "blue plan" front company operated by the Civil Cooperation Bureau in Johannesburg, South Africa, designed to look like a legitimate export business.
Who founded Lema and how was it named?
The company was founded by Leon André Maree, a former policeman. The name was created using the first two letters of his first name (Le) and his surname (Ma).
What products did Lema export?
Lema exported electronic appliances, computers, pocket calculators, and watches from South Africa to other countries across the African continent.
How was Lema funded?
The company received financial backing of at least R 40,000 from the South African Defence Force.
Where were Lema's offices located?
Lema's offices were situated in Parktown, Johannesburg.