Malaka Trust stands by suspended IDT exec, claims she was 'trapped' in bribery scandal
He said the contracts should be reviewed and that the board should also uncover any additional allegations of corruption, with a clear focus on tracking the money flows and understanding the extent of the wrongdoing.
'Corruption cannot survive without enablers. It thrives when individuals in positions of power believe they can manipulate the media, intimidate whistleblowers, and weaponise public opinion to protect their own interests,' he said.
Macpherson also said he wants the police to investigate not only the attempted bribery of Myburgh, but also the possible bribery of other journalists and political parties, who he said use social media bot accounts, and the role of public commentators.
'Let me be clear, these actions are not about one bribe or two individuals. They are about dismantling a culture of impunity that has taken root in parts of the public sector.
'Like the rest of SA, I am sickened by the allegations reported by Daily Maverick. How is it possible for any official to carry about R60,000 in cash — and even imply that government contracts could be offered in exchange for silence?
'While we have worked to clean up the IDT — at great personal cost, facing falsified voice notes, fabricated news articles, and a coordinated social media campaign — I remain resolute in my mission to restore the IDT to play its important role in society.'
However, the Trust said the public deserved to know who orchestrated the recording between Malaka and Myburgh and whether it was done legally, ethically, or as part of a political operation.
'In law, there is no such offence as intending to bribe — especially when no offer was made, no agreement was reached and no money changed hands. Edited videos and innuendos are not evidence. They are tactics of defamation.'
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13 hours ago
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Malaka Trust stands by suspended IDT exec, claims she was 'trapped' in bribery scandal
Macpherson also said he also met with IDT board on Wednesday night asking that it investigate all contracts issued under Malaka. He said the contracts should be reviewed and that the board should also uncover any additional allegations of corruption, with a clear focus on tracking the money flows and understanding the extent of the wrongdoing. 'Corruption cannot survive without enablers. It thrives when individuals in positions of power believe they can manipulate the media, intimidate whistleblowers, and weaponise public opinion to protect their own interests,' he said. Macpherson also said he wants the police to investigate not only the attempted bribery of Myburgh, but also the possible bribery of other journalists and political parties, who he said use social media bot accounts, and the role of public commentators. 'Let me be clear, these actions are not about one bribe or two individuals. They are about dismantling a culture of impunity that has taken root in parts of the public sector. 'Like the rest of SA, I am sickened by the allegations reported by Daily Maverick. How is it possible for any official to carry about R60,000 in cash — and even imply that government contracts could be offered in exchange for silence? 'While we have worked to clean up the IDT — at great personal cost, facing falsified voice notes, fabricated news articles, and a coordinated social media campaign — I remain resolute in my mission to restore the IDT to play its important role in society.' However, the Trust said the public deserved to know who orchestrated the recording between Malaka and Myburgh and whether it was done legally, ethically, or as part of a political operation. 'In law, there is no such offence as intending to bribe — especially when no offer was made, no agreement was reached and no money changed hands. Edited videos and innuendos are not evidence. They are tactics of defamation.'
