Suspended IDT CEO Tebogo Malaka denies bribery allegations in oxygen plant tender scandal, claiming she was set up and had no knowledge of the R60,000 cash offered to investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh during a meeting at a Stellenbosch restaurant. In an exclusive interview, Malaka insisted she never intended to bribe anyone, did not handle the money, and assumed it was part of a prior arrangement between her spokesperson Phasha Makgolane and the journalist, who she says repeatedly asked for a “token of appreciation.” This comes after hidden camera footage surfaced showing the pair allegedly attempting to pay Myburgh to quash his probe into an irregular R836 million tender for oxygen plants, prompting Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson to open a criminal case against them.
Background to the Explosive Bribery Claims and IDT Tender Controversy
The Independent Development Trust (IDT), a state entity tasked with delivering social infrastructure like schools and hospitals, has been rocked by allegations of corruption under Malaka’s watch as CEO. At the heart is a massive tender for oxygen plants valued at over R800 million, awarded during the Covid-19 pandemic when demand for medical oxygen soared. Investigative reports revealed irregularities, including overpayments, substandard work, and questionable procurement processes that allegedly benefited connected insiders. Malaka, appointed in 2021, faced scrutiny for her role in approving deals that led to wasteful spending and unfinished projects, leaving hospitals without vital equipment.
Myburgh’s series of exposés detailed how the tender ballooned in cost, with funds disappearing into a web of subcontractors and consultants linked to IDT officials. One report highlighted payments of R200 million for plants that never materialised or failed to meet standards, sparking outrage over misuse of public funds meant for life-saving gear. The stories painted Malaka as central to the malfeasance, prompting her suspension in July 2025 by the IDT board amid calls for accountability. This scandal fits a broader pattern of graft in state entities, where tenders often balloon due to kickbacks, eroding trust in public procurement.
The bribery twist emerged earlier this month when footage showed Malaka and Makgolane meeting Myburgh at a Stellenbosch eatery, allegedly handing over R60,000 in cash stuffed in an envelope to halt further reporting. The video, captured secretly, captured exchanges where the pair promised more payments if the stories stopped, linking it directly to the oxygen tender probe. Myburgh, known for uncovering scandals like Digital Vibes that toppled a health minister, refused the offer and went public, igniting a firestorm.
Malaka’s Detailed Denial and Claims of a Setup
In her first public response since the video leaked, Malaka spoke out, vehemently denying any intent to bribe. She explained: “The journalist kept saying, ‘Mr Phasha where is your token of appreciation?’ Mr Phasha then took out the money. I assumed that’s what they had talked about before because they had met several times before. But when the media reports and the video came out, it’s me. But I never had the money, I never took out the money. I never went there with the intention to bribe anyone.”
Malaka portrayed herself as an unwitting participant, suggesting the journalist initiated the “token” talk and that Makgolane handled the cash without her knowledge. She claimed prior meetings between Myburgh and Makgolane set the stage, and the footage was edited to frame her as the mastermind. Insisting on a setup, she questioned why the focus fell on her despite not touching the money, and vowed to clear her name through legal means. Her family trust echoed this, stating she neither offered nor authorised the bribe and was unaware of the plan.
Critics, however, point to the video’s clear context, where discussions tied the payment to dropping the tender stories, undermining her claims. Legal experts note the footage could hold up in court as evidence of attempted corruption, especially with audio capturing the intent.
Minister Macpherson’s Swift Action and Criminal Case
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson wasted no time, lodging a criminal complaint against Malaka and Makgolane for attempted bribery and corruption. He condemned the act as a direct attack on press freedom and accountability, vowing to root out graft in entities under his watch. Macpherson, who oversees the IDT, had already suspended Malaka over the tender mess and ordered a full forensic probe into its dealings.
The case, filed with the Hawks, could lead to charges under the Prevention of Corrupt Activities Act, carrying heavy penalties like jail time and fines. Macpherson’s move signals a tougher stance on state capture remnants, aligning with the new government’s anti-corruption drive. He urged witnesses to come forward, promising protection for whistleblowers.
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