The Independent Development Trust (IDT) announced on Monday that Tebogo Malaka has resigned from her position as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 31, 2026.
The Board confirmed that her departure from the IDT does not come with any exit compensation, a point that underscores the gravity surrounding her resignation.
Malaka's resignation is part of a series of events linked to a burgeoning bribery and tender scandal concerning an R836 million contract for an oxygen plant designated for public hospitals. The scandal escalated following her suspension in August 2025, when an investigation uncovered alleged procurement irregularities related to the project.
The matter intensified after video footage emerged allegedly showing Malaka and an IDT spokesperson offering R60 000 in cash to investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh, which authorities believe was an attempt to halt further reporting. In response, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson laid criminal charges. Both criminal and civil investigations are ongoing.
In a public statement, the IDT Board confirmed it has accepted Malaka’s resignation and announced that Sfiso Nsibande, seconded from the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), will continue serving as Acting Chief Executive Officer to ensure stability and continuity.
“In line with standard governance and employment practice, the terms of Ms Malaka’s departure remain confidential. The Board will now commence a formal process to appoint a permanent Chief Executive Officer. The IDT will continue to cooperate fully with any ongoing investigations that may result in criminal and/or civil proceedings against any current or former officials or employees,” the IDT said.
Macpherson welcomed the announcement, noting the Board’s confirmation that Malaka’s resignation does not include exit compensation and does not signal an end to investigations. He said the decision reflects a strong commitment to accountability and the safeguarding of public funds.
Malaka was suspended last August following the release of an independent PwC report into the failed R836m PSA oxygen plant project. The report recommended disciplinary action against her for failing to prevent or act on violations that may have cost the State hundreds of millions of rands. Her resignation comes ahead of a disciplinary hearing that had been scheduled for February 2026.
“While Ms Malaka resigned before the disciplinary process could be concluded, I welcome the fact that her resignation comes without a golden handshake,” Macpherson said. “Importantly, her resignation does not immunise her from criminal investigations or any civil proceedings that may arise. No individual is above ethical governance, the law or accountability.”
He added that law-enforcement agencies should finalise investigations without delay and act decisively if prosecution is warranted.
Macpherson also acknowledged progress made since the current IDT Board was appointed, saying governance stability has improved. However, he cautioned that Malaka’s resignation does not resolve all challenges at the entity, describing it instead as a necessary step in the department’s broader reform agenda focused on ethical governance and serving the public interest.
Saturday Star