‘Smear Campaign’: Zikalala defends IDT CEO and slams media reports

Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala has defended Independent Development Trust CEO Tebogo Malaka's appointment.

He has hit back at mounting criticism over his alleged role in irregular governance at the Independent Development Trust (IDT), describing recent media reports as part of a “sophisticated political smear campaign” aimed at discrediting him.

At a press briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday, Zikalala said he had met and even exceeded his legal oversight obligations and had paused Malaka’s appointment after assuming office in March 2023 to allow investigations into allegations of mismanagement at the IDT.

He also confirmed that he had referred all related documents to the Public Protector for an impartial inquiry into both his actions and broader governance concerns at the entity.

Zikalala's intervention follows weeks of reporting by the media, which alleged that he and former IDT board chairperson Kwazi Mshengu protected Malaka from scrutiny despite her alleged links to a R45-million office lease scandal.

The reports claimed Zikalala quashed a forensic probe initiated by National Treasury and facilitated Malaka’s promotion from acting to permanent CEO.

But Zikalala rejected those claims outright.

“There is no investigation that was ever squashed,” he stated. “All investigations I requested were obstructed not by me, but by a dysfunctional and divided board plagued by infighting and poor governance.”

Zikalala explained that when he entered office, Malaka’s appointment was already in progress, backed by the IDT board under then-chair Zimbini Hill and endorsed by his predecessor, Patricia de Lille.

“I found the process already before the Cabinet.'' 

Central to the controversy is an office lease signed with Moepathutse Property Investments without board approval. Malaka allegedly signed the lease outside her authority; however, there is no evidence to prove that Malaka did anything else.  

In a reply that has now gone viral, Zikalala has slammed investigative body Amabhungane for what he termed "a calculated campaign against public interest governance"  

“I will not allow the persistent onslaught masquerading as journalism to blackmail us into submission,” he said.

He claimed the reports sought to destabilise the IDT, an entity responsible for delivering critical social infrastructure, so it could be “captured by private business interests.”

“There’s a long-standing battle for the soul of the IDT,” Zikalala said. “While we will never shield the corrupt, we must guard against forces attempting to liquidate the institution for private gain.”

In a move designed to affirm his commitment to transparency, Zikalala announced he had submitted all relevant records, including audit findings, legal opinions, correspondence, and ministerial memos to the Public Protector.

“This matter must be scrutinised by a credible, independent institution. I am confident it will reveal the truth and expose the narratives laced with distortion and innuendo,” he said.

He concluded with a firm statement on his public service record: “In all my public life, I have never and will never attempt to escape public scrutiny. I remain committed to ethical governance, no matter the cost.”

The Public Protector’s investigation is now expected to play a key role in determining whether Zikalala’s actions were appropriate or part of a broader pattern of political shielding, while also shedding light on the governance challenges that continue to plague the IDT.