Malaka family trust hits back: ‘It’s a political trap’

IDT

Cape Town – The Malaka Family Trust has defended Independent Development Trust (IDT) CEO Tebogo Malaka against bribery allegations, calling the claims a politically motivated smear campaign.

This follows the release of a video allegedly showing Malaka and IDT spokesperson Phasha Makgolane offering investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh a R60,000 bribe to suppress a corruption exposé.

The video shows Malaka and her spokesperson apparently offering 60,000 rand ($3,400) packed in a Dior shopping bag to investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh at a restaurant.

“I just want to close this chapter,” Malaka can be heard saying.

“I don’t want you to be writing about it,” she said.

Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson has laid a criminal complaint, calling the video “sickening” and an attack on governance.

“It’s one thing to hear about corruption, it’s another thing to see it take place so blatantly and with the feeling of impunity,” Macpherson told journalists in Cape Town.

“These actions are not just about one bribe or two individuals,” he said.

“They are about dismantling a culture of impunity that has overtaken parts of the public sector.”

In a statement, the Malaka Family Trust denies Malaka offered or approved any bribe, claiming she neither invited the journalist nor knew him beforehand, and that the money came from Makgolane.

“Let us be clear. Ms. Malaka did not offer a bribe, did not suggest one, and did not take out or authorise any money. The cash in question was produced by the IDT spokesperson, not Ms. Malaka. She did not invite the journalist, did not know him before the meeting, and did not select the venue or arrange the setup,” the statement reads.

The Trust describes the incident as a trap involving hidden cameras, raising concerns over the legality and motives behind the recording.

“Which raises the most critical, unanswered question: Who set up the hidden cameras, and why? The public deserves to know who orchestrated this recording and whether it was done legally, ethically, or as part of a political operation.

“In law, there is no such offence as ‘intending to bribe,’ especially when no offer was made, no agreement was reached, and no money changed hands. Edited video and innuendo are not evidence. They are tactics of defamation,” the Trust said.

They allege the scandal is linked to Malaka’s refusal to bow to political pressure, particularly in her disputes with Macpherson.

“Ms. Malaka’s real offence, it seems, was her refusal to submit to political pressure. Her clashes with Minister Dean Macpherson, including board disruptions and administrative interference, are well documented. It is no coincidence that this manufactured scandal emerges in the midst of that power struggle.”

They Trust suggests possible coordination between the journalist and the Minister, calling for a full, independent investigation into the recording, political interference, and media collusion.

”Allegations of coordination between the journalist and the Minister must now be taken seriously. These claims, raised by civil society and multiple political parties, require immediate and independent investigation.”

They demand the release of the full, unedited footage and all related communications.

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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele

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