Corruption scandal: IDT CEO caught on video attempting to bribe journalist
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, has laid criminal charges against suspended Independent Development Trust (IDT) CEO Tebogo Malaka and spokesperson Phasha Makgolane at the Cape Town Central Police Station. This follows allegations that journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh was offered R60 000 in cash and contracts to stop him from writing negative stories
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has filed a criminal complaint at the Cape Town Central police station over allegations of corruption and bribery involving senior officials at the Independent Development Trust (IDT).
This follows a video showing suspended IDT CEO Tebogo Malaka and spokesperson Phasha Makgolane allegedly attempting to bribe investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh with R60,000 to suppress a corruption exposé.
Addressing the media outside the police station on Thursday, Macpherson expressed his disgust and disbelief at the blatant corruption, saying: “Watching the video of Ms Malaka allegedly offering Mr Myburgh a bribe of R60 000 made me sick to my stomach and left me in disbelief. It’s one thing to hear about corruption. It’s another thing to see it take place so blatantly and with a feeling of impunity. This stands in complete opposition to everything that I believe in and stand for as a minister.”
Macpherson emphasised the gravity of the situation, describing the alleged bribery attempt as “not just a criminal act but an assault on the institutional framework of government to provide services to the people of South Africa, especially in the social infrastructure space that the IDT is responsible for".
Linking the bribery allegations to wider corruption uncovered in a recent PwC forensic investigation into the R800 million PSA oxygen plant tender, Macpherson detailed serious irregularities including contracts awarded without valid licenses, inflated project costs, missing documentation, and disregard for treasury policies.
Macpherson appealed to the public, journalists, whistleblowers, and honest officials to speak out against wrongdoing.
“From the day I entered office, I took an oath to serve the public, to protect the constitution, and to safeguard our precious public resources. This oath does not allow me to tolerate corruption. It does not allow me to make excuses for wrongdoing.”
He vowed: “Those who abuse their positions will face consequences. Those who have tried to bar silence will fail. And those who fear that smear campaigns will protect corruption will learn that the truth will always prevail. To journalists, whistleblowers, the public, and honest officials who continue to shine a light on wrongdoing, I have my respect and my gratitude. I will personally shield you from political parties, rogue journalists, and individuals who seek to threaten and intimidate you. Because the truth is worth fighting for."
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