In a jaw‑dropping turn, suspended IDT CEO Tebogo Malaka and spokesperson Phasha Makgolane were allegedly caught on camera offering R60,000 in cash to Daily Maverick journalist Pieter‑Louis Myburgh — in exchange for halting his investigation into a shady R836 million oxygen plant contract .
The incident which took place on Sunday, 3 August, at a Stellenbosch wine‑farm restaurant, has sunk Malaka into deeper trouble. Video footage shows Malaka calling for the story to be buried:
Makgolane then reportedly placed the cash, in a Dior bag, on the table. Myburgh snapped a photo, declined the money, and left.
Malaka was suspended on 1 August by the IDT board following a forensic investigation into the oxygen plant tender led by PwC, which flagged serious procurement irregularities .
The tender was linked to one of Malaka’s upscale properties, triggering suspicion about misuse of her position.
If true, this bribery attempt is not just unethical—it’s criminal.
The incident deepens existing mistrust in the IDT’s leadership amid wider governance concerns, including past lease scandals and audit accusations involving Malaka and allies like Minister Sihle Zikalala and board chair Kwazi Mshengu.
Public Works leadership previously denied cover-ups and requested the Public Protector to investigate the entire saga.
