In 2023 and 2024, allegations of procurement irregularities against beleaguered IDT chief executive Tebogo Malaka were swept under the carpet by the then IDT chair Kwazi Mshengu and the then minister Sihle Zikalala. These interventions included quashing a forensic probe facilitated by the National Treasury and whitewashing an audit by Zikalala’s department. The evidence suggests a parallel effort to stymie investigations into Malaka, clearing the way for her to be elevated from acting to permanent chief executive. Both men deny the accusation.
Documents obtained by amaBhungane suggest that former public works and infrastructure minister Sihle Zikalala and his close comrade, the then Independent Development Trust (IDT) chair, advocate Kwazi Mshengu, mounted parallel efforts to shield the parastatal’s chief executive from investigations into a R45-million lease scandal.
Internal communications, board minutes and draft reports show Zikalala and Mshengu clearing the way for Tebogo Malaka’s elevation from acting to permanent chief executive last year despite mounting evidence of impropriety on her part.
Allegations include that Malaka concluded a lease agreement with politically exposed Moepathutse Property Investments behind the IDT board of trustees’ backs and beyond her delegation of authority.
