Independent Development Trust (IDT) Chief Executive Tebogo Malaka has resigned from her position, as of 31 January, ahead of a scheduled disciplinary hearing related to an alleged bribery incident that was caught on camera in August 2025.
The scandal erupted in August 2025 when a video sting operation revealed footage of Malaka and IDT spokesperson Phasha Makgolane allegedly attempting to bribe Daily Maverick journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh. The incident which took place during a meeting in the Cape Winelands, showed the pair allegedly offering R60,000 in R200 notes concealed in a designer Dior shopping bag.
The alleged bribe was offered in an apparent attempt to silence the journalist and halt his corruption investigation into the state entity. The entire exchange was captured on both video and audio, providing damning evidence of the alleged corruption attempt.
Following the revelation of the video evidence, criminal charges were filed against Malaka on 7 August, just four days after the alleged bribery attempt. At the time of the charges, she had already been suspended from her role as CEO of the IDT.
The bribery scandal was not Malaka’s only legal challenge. She had been facing additional scrutiny since 2024 over her alleged involvement in an R836 million oxygen plants project. This matter was also expected to form part of her disciplinary hearing, which she has now avoided through her resignation.
The Independent Development Trust has officially accepted Malaka’s resignation and confirmed that she will not receive any exit compensation package. In a statement, the IDT announced that Sfiso Nsibande, who was seconded from the Construction Industry Development Board, will continue serving as acting CEO.
The IDT emphasised its commitment to transparency and accountability, stating that investigations into the conduct of current and former employees will continue unabated. The organisation confirmed that these investigations could potentially lead to both criminal and civil proceedings against those involved.
In a related development, IDT spokesperson Phasha Makgolane, who was allegedly captured alongside Malaka in the bribery video, has also resigned from his position. Like Malaka, Makgolane’s resignation came before his scheduled disciplinary hearing could proceed.
The Malaka case forms part of a broader pattern of corruption allegations that have plagued various government departments and state entities. The scandal has highlighted the ongoing challenges facing South Africa’s state institutions and the need for robust accountability mechanisms.
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