The CEO of the Independent Development Trust (IDT), Tebogo Malaka, has opened a case with the police following a series of threatening phone calls and what now seems to be the manipulation of her car’s computer box.
According to police, it appears that there has been some risk of unauthorised access to the vehicle’s computer box, which compromised the driver’s privacy and safety. This can occur if someone has tampered with the computer box, a mechanism that would require “a skilled and professional hand”, to access sensitive information about the vehicle, including its location, without the driver's knowledge or consent.
This could be a serious security concern, especially if the vehicle is being tracked or monitored without the driver’s awareness.
The car was noted to also have an unknown device attached above the back tyre to the right.
Malaka finds herself in the middle of a “messy fight with politicians”, namely Public Works and Infrastructure minister Dean Macpherson, among others.
The Portfolio Committee on the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has expressed significant concerns about the lack of communication between Macpherson and the IDT. This issue came to light after a meeting on November 27, 2024, where Macpherson addressed the committee about alleged irregularities in the tender process for installing PSA Oxygen Plants at 55 public hospitals across South Africa. The IDT board has written to Macpherson seeking his audience over the alleged R800 million PSA Oxygen Plant tender, however the minister had already instituted an investigation without even meeting the board and the executive.
The parliamentary committee spokesperson, Jabulani Majozi, revealed that public reports on the allegations lacked substantial evidence, leading to a “muddied narrative” and doubts over the IDT’s integrity. The committee chairperson, Carol Phiri, engaged with the IDT to verify facts surrounding the allegations. It is believed that MacPherson had been unfair and oppressive to the IDT board and Malaka.
Discussions showed that the selection of service providers was done with the concurrence of the national Department of Health and funding confirmation from the Global Fund.
Macpherson has denied allegations of corruption, stating that his intervention was necessary to address irregularities in the tender process.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have opened a corruption case against Macpherson, accusing him of interfering in the IDT’s tender processes and violating National Treasury Regulations.
ActionSA has called for President Cyril Ramaphosa to suspend Macpherson due to allegations of corruption and abuse of power. Macpherson is accused of circumventing established governance structures by sending a direct email to a junior employee, asking for a report on payment delays. Additionally, there are claims that he bribed a journalist to assist in a smear campaign against the IDT CEO.
ActionSA MP Malebo Kobe emphasised that South Africans deserve accountability and transparency, urging Ramaphosa to be consistent in holding ministers responsible.
The EFF has also opened a criminal case against Macpherson, alleging outright corruption.
Macpherson’s spokesperson, James de Villiers, has denied the allegations, stating that the minister has nothing to hide, stating that there was nothing sinister about the email.
The Case was registered on February 11 at Benoni Station. This is a developing story.
The Star