South Africa’s Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure has officially filed criminal charges against the suspended Chief Executive Officer and spokesperson of the Independent Development Trust (IDT), following shocking revelations of an attempted bribery.
The move comes after disturbing footage surfaced showing the suspended executives allegedly offering a journalist R60,000 in cash to suppress an ongoing investigation into corruption within the IDT. Earlier messages also revealed proposals for a monthly R100,000 bribe and even a chance to nominate contractors for multimillion-rand tenders.
“It made me sick to my stomach,” the minister said, stressing his personal resolve to take action and set an example. He filed charges including bribery, corruption, collusion, and breaches of fiduciary duties under public finance laws.
The charges are based on sections of anti-corruption legislation and request an extended investigation to determine if other illegal activities are involved.
In his affidavit, the minister described the bribery attempt as an assault not only on public institutions but also on democratic accountability and press freedom. He emphasized that both individuals involved acted in unison and were fully complicit.
He has requested that the Hawks take over the investigation, calling for urgency and broadening the scope to include:
Whether other journalists were approached similarly.
Possible coordination of a disinformation campaign targeting him, the IDT board chairperson, and the department.
Use of fake news, fabricated audio clips, and anonymous online accounts to mislead the public.
Involvement of politically connected individuals who may have benefited from or amplified misinformation.
Any additional acts of corruption aimed at silencing the media or obstructing oversight.
The root of this case dates back to an investigative report exposing alleged corruption in the IDT’s handling of an R836 million oxygen plant tender for public hospitals. A forensic report has since confirmed contract irregularities, procurement fraud, and a lack of due process.
The minister pointed out that, under the suspended CEO’s leadership, governance and risk controls at the IDT were nearly nonexistent. He said the rot extended from tender processes to attempts to control public narratives and avoid accountability.
The IDT board met recently to begin disciplinary procedures and review the CEO’s suspension conditions, which included restrictions on travel and communication with IDT staff. These conditions may already have been breached, as the individuals were seen together publicly in another province shortly after the bribery attempt.
Meanwhile, the minister has tasked the new IDT board with auditing all contracts issued under the CEO’s tenure, following the money trail, and initiating lifestyle audits for executives. He hinted that resignations have already begun as pressure mounts.
The spokesperson’s position remains complicated, as he was personally contracted by the suspended CEO, raising questions about oversight and accountability.
As public interest and concern grow, the minister affirmed his commitment to protect whistle-blowers, journalists, and honest officials who come forward. He encouraged the public not to stay silent and to report wrongdoing.
He believes the scandal is part of a broader, well-funded scheme involving political networks seeking to shield those implicated in corruption. He criticized political groups and media outlets that supported disinformation campaigns, calling on the public to question their motives and possible benefits.
Despite facing resistance, the minister is confident progress is being made. “We are winning the war,” he said. “But we must remain vigilant. This is far from over.”