Agreement Mkhari 
Tebogo Malaka, the CEO of the Independent Development Trust (IDT), is in hot water after she allegedly tried to bribe a journalist to kill a story about a controversial tender deal.
Malaka, together with IDT spokesperson Phasha Makgolane, is accused of offering a *Daily Maverick* journalist R60,000 in cash to stop an investigation into an IDT contract. The journalist refused the money and reported the matter to the publication’s editors.
Now, the scandal has opened the lid on Malaka’s growing fortune, including luxury cars and properties worth millions of rands, all while she leads a public entity meant to help drive development projects across the country.
In 2023, Malaka splurged on a Porsche Cayenne GTS Coupé and a Range Rover Sport, both worth over R2 million each. She also bought two upmarket apartments, one in Fourways for R1.1 million and another in Centurion for R1.25 million, all paid for in cash.
Most of these assets were acquired through the Mmutla Wa Noko Family Trust, which has now come under the spotlight as investigators try to trace the source of the money.
The IDT board has since launched lifestyle audits on Malaka and other executives to get to the bottom of possible conflicts of interest or hidden sources of income. This comes amid growing concern over her involvement in a questionable R836 million oxygen plant project and links to companies connected to family members.
An insider at IDT said the board was under pressure to act.
“There are too many questions around her lifestyle and her conduct. People want answers,” the official said.
Malaka has not yet responded publicly to the allegations, and no formal charges have been laid. But the heat is rising.
