A cool R60 000 to silence someone or kill a story?
That’s what the suspended CEO of the Independent Development Trust (IDT) Tebogo Malaka and spokesperson Phasha Makgolane, thought the investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh- (Daily Maverick) is worth.
Malaka and Makgolane were caught red-handed on Wednesday handing over a stash of cash worth 60k (in a Dior bag in R200 notes) to a journalist, to stop investigative reporting on the wrongs the CEO has committed.
This is what led to the bribery on Wednesday: In October last year, the Daily Maverick published a series of articles “surrounding the R836m oxygen plant tender”, describing the IDT as the implementing agent in a multimillion-rand contract with the department of health for the rollout of PSA oxygen plants.
The tender was intended to deliver life-saving PSA oxygen plants to 60 hospitals across the country. Did Malaka think of that, clearly not.
As a result, she was suspended.
A week ago, Minister of public works and infrastructure Dean Macpherson released the findings of an independent forensic investigation which recommended disciplinary action against Malaka, general manager for supply chain management Dr Molebedi Sisi, and other officials.
According to Macpherson, the project was worth R836m and R528m had been allocated directly to the IDT for implementation. He has also asked for all contracts to be investigated.
Gatvol, the minister on Thursday, opened a case against Malaka at the Cape Town police station and also met with IDT board on Wednesday night asking that it investigates all contracts issued under Malaka.
He said the contracts should be reviewed and that the board should also uncover any additional allegations of corruption, with a clear focus on tracking the money flows and understanding the extent of the wrongdoing.
“Corruption cannot survive without enablers. It thrives when individuals in positions of power believe they can manipulate the media, intimidate whistleblowers, and weaponise public opinion to protect their own interests,” he said.
Macpherson said he wants the police to investigate not only the attempted bribery of Myburgh, but also the possible bribery of other journalists and political parties, who he said use social media accounts, and the role of public commentators.
“Let me be clear, these actions are not about one bribe or two individuals. They are about dismantling a culture of impunity that has taken root in parts of the public sector.
“Like the rest of SA, I am sickened by the allegations reported by Daily Maverick yesterday.
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 – at great personal cost, facing falsified voice notes, fabricated news articles, and a coordinated social media campaign – I remain resolute in my mission to restore the IDT to play its important role in society.”
Malaka, you failed to deliver life-saving PSA oxygen plants to 60 hospitals across the country, and tried to bribe a journalist- those are serious charges.
Its time YOU face the might of the law and your spin-doctor, who clearly has no idea to spin a story.
As for Kaya 959 afternoon-drive presenters (Skhumba, Glen and Kgomotso) how dare you feel for someone who has disregard for the law?
Image (Suspended IDT boss Tebogo Malaka and spokesperson Phasha Makgolane, caught red-handed bribing investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh- (Daily Maverick).
