Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has laid criminal charges against suspended Independent Development Trust (IDT) CEO Tebogo Malaka and the entity’s spokesperson, Phasha Makgolane, following shocking allegations of an attempted bribery scheme involving a journalist.
The charges stem from a video recording, obtained by Daily Maverick, which allegedly shows Malaka and Makgolane offering investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh R60,000 in cash to halt his reporting on a story involving the IDT. The footage has sent shockwaves across the country, reigniting concerns about corruption within state entities.
“A Brazen Act of Corruption”
Corruption Watch consultant Karam Singh described the incident as “a gross violation of human rights” and condemned the apparent normalization of bribery in South Africa’s public sector.
“It’s like watching a bad movie,” Singh said. “The ease with which a public official can pull out a purse filled with cash to bribe a journalist is deeply alarming.”
The video, which includes audio, reportedly captures Malaka justifying her actions by referencing her personal struggles, including sickly parents and children—an irony not lost on critics, given the IDT’s mandate to deliver social infrastructure for vulnerable communities.
A Pattern of Irregularities
This is not the first controversy surrounding Malaka. She was previously suspended over allegations of inflated procurement costs, including a scandal involving oxygen tanks. The IDT itself has faced years of audit disclaimers and financial mismanagement, raising questions about systemic corruption within the organization.
Minister Macpherson has called for a full forensic audit of all contracts linked to Malaka’s tenure, suggesting the scandal may involve a broader network of political and media enablers.
Journalistic Integrity Under Threat
The case has also sparked concerns about media integrity. Myburgh, known for his exposés on state capture in Gangster State, was an unlikely target for bribery, leading Singh to question how often such attempts occur behind the scenes.
“We need more journalists to come forward if they’ve been offered bribes—or worse, accepted them,” Singh urged. “This can’t be swept under the rug.”
A Call for Accountability
While the scandal has exposed deep rot, Singh emphasized that it also presents an opportunity for reform. “The IDT has a critical mandate, but it can’t fulfill it while corruption persists,” he said.
As investigations unfold, South Africans are left wondering: How many more such schemes operate unchecked—and who will be bold enough to expose them next?