Today Let talk about Tebogo Malaka Biography: The CEO of the Independent Development Trust (IDT)
Full Name: Magogodi Elizabeth Tebogo Malaka
Current Role: CEO and Board Chairperson, Independent Development Trust (IDT) (formally appointed mid‑2024)
Nationality: South African
Education: Bachelor of Arts (BA), University of KwaZulu‑Natal
Master of Business Administration (MBA), MANCOSA (2016)
Short Course in Public‑Private Partnerships in Infrastructure, University of Queensland (2016)
Career Highlights: Over 27 years of experience in public service, with 15 years in executive management.
Tebogo Malaka Biography
Context & Significance
Malaka’s academic trajectory reflects strategic preparation for high-level leadership and governance roles:
Bachelor’s Foundation
Her BA from UKZN provided a broad, interdisciplinary grounding—strengthening essential thinking and communication skills.
Business & Strategic Leadership
Obtaining an MBA from MANCOSA in 2016 significantly boosted her management capacity, enabling her to oversee large-scale infrastructure and development projects. MANCOSA, founded in 1995, emphasizes accessible management education for underrepresented professionals. Wikipedia
Global Insight in Infrastructure
The short course at the University of Queensland gave her exposure to international best practices in public-private infrastructure partnerships—critical knowledge for her leadership at the Independent Development Trust (IDT).
Tebogo Malaka Early Career & Professional Ascent
Tebogo Malaka’s journey began in the Department of Social Development, where she served as Programme Manager for Community Development. She later transitioned to the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, ascending through roles culminating in a Director appointment (2006–2009).
She then served as Regional General Manager at IDT from 2009 to 2018, before leading One Voltage Electrical Distributors as CEO (Dec 2018–2020). In parallel, Malaka held a Non-Executive Director position on the Board of Sentech until April 2021 and held multiple governance roles at IDT, including Chairperson of the Board of Trustees since August 2021.
Tebogo Malaka Appointment at IDT & Leadership Profile
In November 2021, Malaka was appointed acting CEO of IDT and was formally confirmed as CEO by mid‑2024. In this period, she chaired a trust overseeing a substantial portfolio of public social infrastructure projects such as building schools, health centers, and courts valued at approximately R6‑8 billion.
She is also active in various boards including North West Development Corporation, Magalies Water, and is a trustee of Mmutla wa Noko Trust.
Tebogo Malaka Controversies & Investigations
Malaka’s leadership has faced significant scrutiny:
A forensic investigation by PwC uncovered irregularities tied to an R800 million oxygen plant tender, prompting her precautionary suspension in August 2025.
She is accused of inadequate oversight, including reliance on internal assurances and ignoring red flags raised by the Department of Health.
Reports linked contracts valued at over R33 million to a company tied to her family member, raising conflict-of-interest concerns.
In August 2025, allegations surfaced that Malaka attempted to bribe a journalist to suppress investigative reporting a claim supported by released video footage showing a meeting with offers of cash and future payments.
(FAQ)
Who is Tebogo Malaka?
She is a South African public-sector executive serving as CEO and Board Chairperson of the Independent Development Trust (IDT) since mid‑2024, with extensive prior experience in government leadership roles.
What are her educational qualifications?
She holds a BA from the University of KwaZulu‑Natal, an MBA from MANCOSA, and completed a short course on public-private infrastructure partnerships at the University of Queensland in 2016.
When did she become CEO of IDT?
Tebogo Malaka first served as acting CEO from November 2021 and was formally appointed CEO around mid‑2024.
What controversies has she faced?
She was linked to procurement irregularities in a multi‑billion‑rand oxygen plant tender, associated with potentially improper contracts, and later accused of attempting to bribe a journalist to suppress coverage leading to her suspension in August 2025.
Conclusion
Tebogo Malaka’s career illustrates a rapid rise through South Africa’s public sector, culminating in leadership of the IDT—a prominent infrastructure-focused parastatal. Her path, marked by academic credentials, strategic governance roles, and executive leadership, underscores her influence in shaping social infrastructure delivery However, her tenure is now overshadowed by significant controversy, with multiple investigations underway relating to procurement practices and attempts to influence media reporting. The unfolding developments make her life and leadership emblematic of both progress and the challenges of accountability in public service.
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