Suspended Independent Development Trust (IDT) CEO Tebogo Malaka and her spokesperson, Phasha Makgolane, are facing fresh allegations after being implicated in an attempted bribery scandal involving investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh of Daily Maverick.
Explosive video footage and audio recordings released by Daily Maverick reveal Malaka and Makgolane allegedly offering money to Myburgh in an effort to suppress an upcoming investigation into an IDT contract linked to one of Malaka’s luxury properties.
The Sting Operation
The meeting, which took place on August 3 in Stellenbosch, was secretly recorded by Myburgh. In the footage, Malaka and Makgolane appear to present cash in exchange for halting the publication of the investigation, which is set to be released next week.
This latest scandal adds to Malaka’s mounting legal troubles. Last week, Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson announced disciplinary and criminal proceedings following a forensic probe into the IDT’s controversial R800 million Oxygen Plant tender, which led to Malaka’s suspension.
Journalist’s Account
Speaking on the incident, Myburgh explained that the bribery attempt stemmed from his ongoing investigation into a separate IDT contract involving Malaka and a prominent businessman.
“It appears that this new investigation, unrelated to the oxygen plant scandal, prompted the desperate attempt to bribe me,” Myburgh said. “They were clearly trying to prevent further exposure of alleged corruption.”
Legal Ramifications
While the Hawks are already investigating the Oxygen Plant scandal, no law enforcement agency has yet approached Myburgh regarding the bribery attempt. The journalist confirmed that Daily Maverick is consulting legal experts on how to proceed.
Parallel Smear Campaigns
The scandal has also reignited discussions around smear campaigns against journalists. Earlier this year, false claims circulated that Myburgh and Minister Macpherson had conspired to tarnish Malaka’s reputation—a narrative debunked after Times Live retracted an opinion piece due to lack of evidence.
“Whenever we expose real corruption, fabricated counter-narratives emerge,” Myburgh noted, referencing falsified WhatsApp messages previously used to discredit him.
Awaiting Response
Efforts are underway to obtain comment from Malaka, Makgolane, or their legal representatives. Meanwhile, the unfolding scandal raises further questions about accountability and corruption within state-affiliated entities.
The full investigation by Daily Maverick is expected to be published next week, potentially unveiling more damning revelations.