News

Caught on Camera: Suspended IDT CEO at Centre of Bribery Scandal

Published

2 months ago

August 6, 2025

Chiraag

Tebogo Malaka, IDT CEO scandal, South Africa corruption, bribery attempt, Daily Maverick footage, Dean Macpherson, Waterfall property deal, Joburg ETC

A restaurant meeting, a hidden camera, and an offer too suspicious to ignore

It reads like a political thriller, but the setting was all too real: a restaurant near Stellenbosch, a hidden camera, and a desperate plea to kill a story. At the centre of it all? Suspended Independent Development Trust (IDT) CEO Tebogo Malaka, who was caught on video allegedly trying to bribe investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh.

The footage, released by Daily Maverick this week, shows Malaka in a sit-down with Myburgh and IDT spokesperson Phasha Makgolane. In the clip, Malaka appears visibly distressed, referencing her family and begging Myburgh to “let it go.” But what began as an emotional appeal reportedly shifted into an attempt to silence journalism with cash.

“I want it closed”: The alleged R60 000 bribe

The now-public video, filmed on 3 August, reportedly shows Malaka and Makgolane offering the journalist R60 000 upfront, with an additional R100 000 promised later, in exchange for burying a story linked to IDT contracts and a luxury property allegedly linked to Malaka in Waterfall, Gauteng.

Malaka can be heard saying:
“It’s too much. I have kids. I have parents. My parents are old… I want it closed.”

Her words may strike a chord emotionally, but what followed has shaken South Africa’s public institutions to the core.

Macpherson responds: “Watched with disbelief”

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson wasted no time. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Macpherson said:
“Along with many South Africans, I have watched with disbelief the video…”

He confirmed plans to urgently consult with the IDT board to address the unfolding scandal.

This comes just days after Malaka was suspended in connection with a R836 million oxygen plant tender. According to a PwC forensic investigation, both Malaka and supply chain manager Molebedi Sisi were identified as key figures behind the approval of irregular contracts.

The oxygen scandal: a billion-rand bombshell

The core of this controversy lies in a multibillion-rand contract meant to supply oxygen systems to 60 public hospitals across South Africa. The deal was supposed to be a life-saving infrastructure investment. Instead, the audit revealed ballooned costs, questionable procurement, and leadership that bypassed proper oversight.

Malaka’s name has surfaced multiple times in connection with dubious deals. One of the most notable includes a R45 million lease agreement signed without board approval, involving a property company allegedly tied to political networks.

Despite these red flags, she was appointed CEO permanently, a decision now under renewed public scrutiny.

Public trust under pressure

The timing of this alleged bribery attempt only deepens public concern about how state institutions are managed. That Malaka and a senior spokesperson allegedly attempted to pay off a journalist instead of defending their conduct legally has raised serious red flags about transparency and accountability within IDT.

On social media, reactions have ranged from disbelief to anger, with many South Africans demanding not just disciplinary action but criminal prosecution.

One user posted:
“How do we still not have stronger vetting for state executives? This isn’t just corruption; it’s betrayal.”

What happens next?

Minister Macpherson has signalled that further action is imminent. Disciplinary processes are reportedly underway, and depending on legal review, criminal charges may follow.

The IDT board remains under pressure to not only clean house but also rebuild credibility in a sector already plagued by trust issues.

As the video circulates and the public response grows louder, one thing is clear: this is not just about one individual. It’s about a culture of accountability and whether those at the top are finally held to the same standards as everyone else.