Minister Macpherson opens criminal case in explosive IDT bribery scandal involving suspended CEO

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has opened a criminal case at the Cape Town Police Station following shocking allegations of corruption and bribery involving senior officials at the Independent Development Trust (IDT).

This follows a video that emerged showing Tebogo Malaka, the suspended IDT CEO, and spokesperson Phasha Makgolane allegedly trying to bribe investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh with R60,000 to suppress a corruption exposé.

Addressing the media outside the police station on Wednesday,  Macpherson expressed his deep disgust and disbelief at the blatant corruption, stating, “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.”

He condemned the attempt to bribe a journalist as “an attack not only on the free press but on our democracy,” warning that it was designed to “silence accountability, to undermine public confidence, and to shield corruption from exposure.”

Macpherson recounted the longstanding governance failures and corruption scandals at the IDT, an entity plagued for years by tender irregularities, incomplete projects, and audit disclaimers.

“It was an entity in crisis, a state institution meant to serve the public, but instead consumed by dysfunction,” Macpherson said.

Since assuming office, he said, efforts to restore integrity have been met with “fierce resistance” from entrenched interests, aided by political parties like ActionSA and the EFF, and even some members of the media.

Responding to misinformation and disinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting himself, his colleague Zimbini Hill, and the IDT’s cleanup efforts, Macpherson stated, “For months, the narrative being pushed by those resisting reform was that I, as the minister, was paying journalists to attack the IDT. Not only was this false, but it turned out to be a projection of what they were doing.

''They said I was paying journalists, and it turned out that they were then paying journalists.” He highlighted the irony that those implicated in corruption were attempting to bribe journalists themselves.

Macpherson has formally opened cases against  Malaka and Makgolane for the attempted bribery of investigative journalist Myburgh, and has called on other journalists who may have been approached to come forward.

He said he is also pursuing investigations into coordinated social media campaigns aimed at discrediting the department and officials, as well as the involvement of politically connected individuals in spreading false information to protect corruption.

“Corruption cannot survive without enablers,” Macpherson said. “It survives when individuals in power believe they can manipulate the media, intimidate whistleblowers, and weaponise public opinion to protect their own interests.”

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.

The report recommended disciplinary action against Malaka and other senior officials.

Macpherson condemned the environment of impunity under her leadership, stating that “the IDC operated without the most basic governance and risk controls,” and now “we see how that environment of impunity spilled beyond tenders into attempts to manipulate the media and obstruct public accountability.”

Macpherson also called on the new IDT board to urgently investigate all contracts issued under Malaka’s tenure, trace fund flows, and take swift action against anyone found complicit.

He expressed confidence in the board and acting CEO’s ability to dismantle corruption networks and restore the IDT as a credible delivery partner for social infrastructure projects.

“The board has acted with speed and determination since last Friday. They will attempt to delay, to distract, to deflect, and to threaten us, but they will not succeed. We have the upper hand, and we are winning the war against them.”

Moreover, 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,” he said. 

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

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