Minister files criminal charges against suspended IDT CEO

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has laid criminal charges against suspended Independent Development Trust (IDT) CEO Tebogo Malaka and spokesperson Phasha Makgolane.

This follows video evidence published by Daily Maverick, showing Malaka and Makgolane allegedly offering investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh R60,000 in cash.

The refused cash was an attempt to suppress reporting on irregular property deals and questionable tenders during Malaka’s tenure.

“I just want to close this chapter. It’s too much. I have kids, I have parents, my parents are old, they were sick, they couldn’t sleep over the last weekend. It’s bad,” Malaka said.

“I want it closed. I don’t want you to be writing about it,” she added before cash was placed on the table.

The IDT is a state-owned entity that spends around R4 billion annually on schools and clinics.

However, Myburgh’s work since 2024 has shown that this budget is being wasted through dodgy tenders and skimming, resulting in Malaka’s suspension.

The charges laid by the Minister, attempted bribery, obstruction of media freedom, and contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), are being reviewed by Cape Town police, with a request for escalation to the Hawks.

Macpherson described the video as “sickening”, calling the conduct a direct attack on democratic accountability and media freedom, citing section 16 of the Constitution.

According to the affidavit submitted by Macpherson, the meeting involved a Dior-branded bag containing R60,000 in cash, promises of R100,000 in monthly payments, and WhatsApp messages offering access to IDT tenders.

A bid document for upcoming Western Cape contracts was allegedly shared, along with a message encouraging Myburgh to “check and share contractors,” suggesting a plan to manipulate procurement.

The affidavit invokes provisions of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, stating that both officials acted jointly to bribe a journalist, interfere with procurement, and obstruct scrutiny.

The full exchange, captured in the video footage, forms the core of the evidence submitted.

Beyond the attempted bribery, the affidavit also refers to potential bribes to other journalists, bot-driven social media campaigns, and the involvement of politically connected individuals in efforts to conceal corruption.

It alleges the use of fake voice notes, doctored WhatsApp messages, and planted media reports to undermine reforms at the IDT.

The charges are linked to a PwC forensic investigation into an R800 million oxygen plant tender.

The report found contracts were issued without valid licences, budgets were inflated, and procurement procedures ignored, clear breaches of the PFMA and Treasury regulations.

It also recommended disciplinary action against Malaka and several IDT supply chain officials.

Macpherson has ordered the IDT board to review all contracts issued under Malaka’s leadership, trace financial flows, and act against those implicated.

Lifestyle audits for senior executives are in progress, and disciplinary processes have begun.

“Leadership cannot be outsourced. If criminality is uncovered, I will act directly,” said Macpherson, adding that he accepts personal responsibility for ensuring accountability.