WATCH | Caught red-handed! – Suspended IDT CEO tries to bribe journalist with R60k bag of cash

IDT

Cape Town –In a striking act of investigative journalism, Pieter‑Louis Myburgh of Daily Maverick staged a sting that exposed a shocking attempt at corruption by the suspended CEO of the Independent Development Trust (IDT), Tebogo Malaka, along with the spokesperson Phasha Makgolane.

Hidden cameras captured Malaka offering R60 000 in cash — as the first installment of what appeared to be a bribe — to derail an investigation into her wealthy R12‑million Waterfall estate.

According to eNCA, the scandal follows an earlier forensic probe into an R836-million oxygen plant tender irregularity, which had already cost Malaka her position.

Compounding the conflict of interest allegations, it emerged that the IDT had paid over R33 million to a company linked to the CEO’s sister‑in‑law.

The fallout is swift.

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson announced plans to meet with the IDT board following the release of the evidence.

Meanwhile, commentators voiced concern over what this signifies about the state of journalism and ethics in the country.

Columnist Kekeletso Nakeli reflected on a broader malaise, noting, “How stories are told depends on who pays the storyteller… Investigative journalism has come under fire because rands and cents are offered in exchange for silence,” The Citizen reported.


Having captured the footage and photographed the cash, Myburgh left — and the video promptly triggered public fallout.

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