Fresh allegations of corruption have emerged against suspended Independent Development Trust (IDT) CEO Tebogo Malaka, implicating her in a scandal involving a R16 million property allegedly funded by a prominent Gauteng businessman contracted by the IDT.
Investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh of Daily Maverick revealed that the contractor, linked to the Colin Mashawana Foundation, reportedly diverted funds meant for workers under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) while financing Malaka’s luxury home in Waterfall.
Contractor Accused of Exploiting Workers
According to Myburgh, the Colin Mashawana Foundation—which holds a R60 million IDT contract for EPWP projects across five provinces—failed to pay hundreds of workers their due wages. In one case, 200 workers took the foundation to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), which ruled in their favor after months of unpaid labor.
Meanwhile, the foundation’s chairperson allegedly made at least two payments toward Malaka’s property while she was still CEO.
Bribery Attempt Exposed
Myburgh also disclosed that Malaka and her spokesperson attempted to bribe him last week to suppress the story. Video evidence reportedly shows Malaka and her spokesperson presenting Myburgh with R60,000 in cash—an offer he rejected.
Malaka’s camp has since challenged the authenticity of the recordings, demanding the release of unedited footage. Myburgh dismissed these claims, stating that the video evidence speaks for itself.
Public Funds at Risk
The IDT, which receives R700 million annually from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, outsources EPWP initiatives to nonprofits like the Colin Mashawana Foundation. Myburgh’s investigation suggests a conflict of interest, as the foundation secured its lucrative contract shortly after payments were made toward Malaka’s property.
Right of Reply Sought
Efforts to obtain comment from the Colin Mashawana Foundation and Malaka were ongoing at the time of publication. Malaka, currently suspended, has yet to publicly address the latest allegations.
As the scandal deepens, calls for accountability grow, with demands for full transparency into the IDT’s contracting processes and Malaka’s alleged misconduct.
Daily Maverick has indicated it may release unedited recordings of the bribery attempt to ensure public scrutiny.