By Duncan Mnisi
Centurion, South Africa – A storm of controversy has erupted around the Independent Development Trust (IDT) following the emergence of explosive video evidence allegedly capturing its CEO, Tebogo Malaka, and spokesperson, Phasha Makgolane, attempting to bribe investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh with R60,000 in cash.
The bribery attempt, reportedly filmed in a public setting, allegedly shows Malaka and Makgolane handing over a visibly bundled stack of cash during a meeting with Myburgh.
Myburgh, who works with Daily Maverick, had been investigating a series of questionable contracts awarded by the IDT—one of which reportedly involved R836 million.
According to Myburgh, the IDT executives tried to silence his investigation into procurement irregularities tied to a lease agreement signed without board approval, allegedly involving the politically connected company Moephathutse Property Investments.
The IDT never occupied the Centurion-based property, which was meant to serve as its new headquarters. Moephathutse is now suing for R14 million in damages.
This incident adds to a growing list of allegations against Malaka, who was controversially promoted from acting to permanent CEO despite internal warnings about her conduct.
Leaked reports and internal minutes suggest that former IDT chairperson Kwazi Mshengu and former Public Works Minister Sihle Zikalala allegedly facilitated her appointment by suppressing forensic investigations and neutralising audit findings from National Treasury.
Investigative centre amaBhungane has corroborated claims of political shielding by senior ANC KwaZulu-Natal leaders, revealing a pattern of interference aimed at protecting Malaka from scrutiny.
Political reactions have been swift. While BBC News has accused DA Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson of interfering in IDT affairs, political commentator JJ Tabane has stirred further controversy by claiming that Macpherson himself is under police investigation for allegedly bribing a journalist to discredit Malaka.
Tabane, however, declined to provide a case number, stating cryptically that “all will be revealed in good time.”
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has also weighed in, though his comments have remained vague.
Public pressure is mounting for a full, independent inquiry into the IDT’s leadership and its alleged political entanglements.
The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, with many South Africans calling it one of the most blatant bribery attempts ever caught on camera in the country’s democratic era.
As investigations continue, both the Department of Public Works and the Office of the Public Protector face increasing demands for a transparent response to the growing scandal.
