It’s not every day that a government CEO is accused of bribing a journalist—and even more rarely does the accused call it a political setup.
That’s the position Tebogo Malaka, the suspended chief executive officer of the Independent Development Trust (IDT), now finds herself in.
Caught in the middle of a scandal involving hidden cameras, media allegations, and political finger-pointing, Malaka is speaking out, saying this was never about corruption—but rather about power, pressure, and political gamesmanship.
The Secretly Recorded Meeting That Sparked a Storm
The controversy ignited when Malaka and her spokesperson, Phasha Makgolane, were reportedly caught on video trying to bribe investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh from Daily Maverick.
The recording allegedly shows them asking him to back off from probing stories related to Malaka and the IDT.
Malaka had already been suspended earlier this month over a separate matter—a massive R800 million tender involving an oxygen plant.
Malaka’s Camp Says It Was a Setup
In response to the allegations, Malaka’s side is fighting back.
According to a statement released by the Malaka Family Trust, she denies offering a bribe, suggesting a bribe, or even knowing the journalist before the now-infamous meeting took place.
“This was a deliberate setup,” the family insisted.
“She didn’t invite the journalist, and she certainly didn’t authorize any payment.
So the bigger question is—who placed those hidden cameras and why?”
They also questioned the legality and ethics of the recording, hinting it may have been part of a larger political operation rather than a genuine journalistic sting.
Claims of Political Pressure and Power Struggles
The Malaka Family Trust isn’t holding back. They suggest this incident is part of a wider campaign to remove Malaka from her position because of her refusal to give in to political interference—specifically from Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson.
Reports surfaced earlier this year that Macpherson, now a vocal critic of Malaka, had allegedly paid a journalist to publish negative stories about the IDT.
His alleged aim? To replace Malaka with someone aligned with his own party, the Democratic Alliance (DA).
A Manufactured Scandal or Real Corruption?
In their statement, Malaka’s family pointed out her frequent clashes with Minister Macpherson, citing ongoing boardroom conflicts and alleged administrative interference.
They argue it’s no coincidence that this bribery allegation exploded in the middle of what they describe as a long-running power struggle between the two.
“There are growing concerns that the journalist and the minister may have coordinated this,” the statement said.
“These are not conspiracy theories—they’re claims being echoed by civil society and multiple political parties who are now calling for a full, independent investigation.”
The Bigger Picture and Public Reaction
This scandal raises bigger questions beyond just Malaka’s guilt or innocence.
If she was framed, it would point to deeply troubling tactics being used in South African politics.
If she wasn’t, it could expose another layer of rot in a key government entity.
Now, all eyes are on whether any independent investigation will be launched—and whether more political players will be pulled into this growing storm.
