Cape town: Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has requested the board of the Independent Development Trust (IDT) to investigate contracts issued under suspended Chief Executive Officer Tebogo Malaka. This request follows a meeting with the new board on Wednesday evening to address allegations against Malaka.
According to South African Government News Agency, the situation escalated after a report from the Daily Maverick indicated that a journalist was offered R60,000 in cash to suppress negative stories. Minister Macpherson expressed his concern over the ease with which large sums of money were purportedly handled to potentially influence media reports and government contracts, emphasizing his commitment to reforming the IDT’s operations.
In response to these allegations, Macpherson filed criminal charges against Malaka and spokesperson Phasha Makgolane at the Cape Town Central Police Station. During his meeting with the board, the Minister urged a thorough investigation into all contracts managed under Malaka’s leadership, with an emphasis on identifying any corrupt activities and understanding the financial transactions involved.
Furthermore, Macpherson highlighted the importance of restoring stability within the IDT, urging the board to take decisive action against those found complicit in these allegations. He noted that the tactics used by Malaka and Makgolane in the alleged bribery attempt might have been employed in other instances, raising concerns about the potential systemic nature of the misconduct.
In addition to the internal investigation, Macpherson called upon the South African Police Service (SAPS) to urgently address these allegations. He stressed the need for a comprehensive probe into the attempted bribery of the journalist, as well as any similar actions targeting other journalists, political entities, and the misuse of social media and public commentary.
The IDT, a Schedule 2 State-owned entity tasked with managing and delivering social infrastructure projects for the government, operates under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, who acts as the shareholder representative.