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 as the Minister met with the new board on Wednesday evening to discuss allegations laid against Malaka.
This follows a Daily Maverick report that one of its journalists was offered R60 000 in cash to avoid publishing negative reports.
“How is it possible for any official to carry around R60 000 in cash, and even imply that government contracts could be offered in exchange for silence, while we have worked to clean up the IDT. I remain resolute in my mission to restore the IDT to play its important role in society,” said the Minister.
Macpherson laid criminal charges against Malaka and spokesperson Phasha Makgolane at the Cape Town Central Police Station on Thursday.
At his meeting with the board, the Minister also requested the board to investigate all contracts issued under Malaka, review the contractors involved, and uncover any additional allegations of corruption, with a clear focus on tracking the money flows and understanding the extent of the wrongdoing.
He further urged the board to act swiftly to restore stability at the IDT, including taking the necessary action against those complicit in these damning allegations.
Macpherson said it is clear that the tactics used by Malaka and Makgolane in attempting to bribe the journalist were likely successfully employed elsewhere.
He called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to urgently investigate not only the attempted bribery of the journalist, but also the possible bribery of other journalists and political parties, the use of social media bot accounts and the role of public commentators.
“I, therefore, call on the South African Police Service to urgently investigate these serious allegations and ensure that those guilty are held accountable,” he said.
The IDT is a Schedule 2 State-owned entity, which manages the implementation and delivery of critically needed social infrastructure programmes on behalf of government. It reports to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, who is the shareholder representative. - SAnews.gov.za
