Dean Macpherson Orders IDT Probe After Bribery, Corruption Allegations Against CEO

South Africa’s Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, has directed the board of the Independent Development Trust (IDT) to launch a comprehensive investigation into contracts issued during the tenure of suspended Chief Executive Officer Tebogo Malaka, following explosive allegations of bribery, corruption, and potential misuse of public funds.

The intervention follows a recent report by the Daily Maverick alleging that one of its journalists was offered a R60,000 cash bribe to suppress negative stories about the IDT. The attempted payoff, coupled with the implication that government contracts could be awarded in exchange for silence, has rocked public confidence in the state-owned entity responsible for the delivery of vital social infrastructure projects.

Criminal Charges and Immediate Action

On Thursday, Minister Macpherson announced that he had laid criminal charges against both Malaka and IDT spokesperson Phasha Makgolane at the Cape Town Central Police Station. The charges stem from both the attempted bribery of a journalist and the broader concerns about the misuse of IDT resources under Malaka’s leadership.

“How is it possible for any official to carry around R60,000 in cash, and even imply that government contracts could be offered in exchange for silence, while we have worked to clean up the IDT?” Macpherson asked. “I remain resolute in my mission to restore the IDT to play its important role in society.”

Board Mandate: Deep-Dive Into Contracts and Corruption

Meeting with the newly appointed IDT board on Wednesday, Minister Macpherson issued a direct mandate:

• Investigate all contracts awarded under Malaka’s leadership, including a full review of the contractors involved.

• Track money flows and expose the extent of wrongdoing—with a focus on uncovering any additional cases of bribery or corruption.

• Restore stability at the IDT by taking decisive action against any staff or officials found to be complicit.

He emphasized that the methods used to bribe the Daily Maverick journalist may have been used successfully in other instances, potentially implicating more journalists, political parties, or public commentators.

Call for Broader Investigation and Accountability

Minister Macpherson has called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to act with urgency—not just in investigating the specific attempt to bribe a journalist, but also to probe:

• Possible bribery of other journalists and political parties

• Use of social media bot accounts and online manipulation

• Roles played by public commentators in perpetuating or covering up corruption

He urged the police and law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned, warning that the public’s trust in government infrastructure projects and service delivery is at stake.

“I, therefore, call on the South African Police Service to urgently investigate these serious allegations and ensure that those guilty are held accountable,” Macpherson said.

About the IDT: A Crucial Public Infrastructure Entity

The Independent Development Trust is a Schedule 2 state-owned entity mandated with managing and implementing social infrastructure programmes for the government, including the construction of schools, clinics, and housing. As the shareholder representative, the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure oversees the entity, which has faced scrutiny in recent years for allegations of inefficiency, governance failures, and corruption.

Restoring Integrity to Public Infrastructure Delivery

The unfolding scandal has cast a spotlight on ongoing challenges in South Africa’s public entities, including governance, transparency, and accountability in the management of public resources. The Minister’s swift and uncompromising response signals a renewed commitment to restoring confidence in the IDT and ensuring that state institutions operate with integrity and in the public interest.

The outcome of the investigations will be closely watched by the public, government stakeholders, and the media, as South Africa continues to grapple with high-profile cases of corruption and state capture.