DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 26: Dean Macpherson at the announcement of the candidates list ahead of national and provincial elections at Onomo Hotel on March 26, 2024 in Durban, South Africa. President Ramaphosa announced that national elections will held on May 29th. (Photo by Gallo Images/Darren Stewart)
In a country where hospitals run short on beds, staff, and yes — oxygen — you’d think a project aimed at installing oxygen plants at 55 public hospitals would be above board. But no, this is South Africa. What should’ve been a lifesaving initiative has been tainted by fraud, fake qualifications, shady deals, and serious governance failures. And now, it’s all come to light.
Minister of Public Works Dean Macpherson has dropped a bombshell: a forensic investigation by PwC has confirmed that the R800 million tender awarded by the Independent Development Trust (IDT) was riddled with corruption from day one.
A Life-or-Death Tender… Now a Crime Scene
The contract — partly funded by the Global Fund — was meant to help hospitals deal with oxygen shortages, a crisis that escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic. But two of the three companies awarded the tender weren’t even registered with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) — a legal requirement for supplying medical oxygen equipment.
One of these companies, Bulkeng, reportedly scored the largest chunk of the tender using what investigators believe were fraudulent documents. How did this slip through the cracks of a state institution? Or worse, was it intentionally allowed?
The Minister Steps In, the IDT Clams Up
Minister Macpherson says he started probing the issue last October, but his efforts were initially blocked by the IDT’s own board and staff. PwC’s investigation was delayed by months thanks to a toxic mix of arrogance, secrecy, and possible complicity.
Despite the resistance, the findings are now clear: this wasn’t a case of poor admin — it was systemic rot. PwC found enough evidence to warrant disciplinary action against key officials and called for full lifestyle audits of IDT senior management, including CEO Tebogo Malaka.
IDT CEO in the Hot Seat (Again)
Malaka’s name has already been linked to controversy. Investigative reports show that a company linked to a family member of hers scored R33 million in contracts from the IDT years before she became acting CEO in 2021. At the time, even the Auditor General questioned the legality of her appointment.
Now, she’s at the centre of a R800 million corruption probe, and the Hawks have been called in. Coincidence? Many think not.
The Big Question: Will Anyone Be Jailed?
We’ve heard this story before: scandal, report, media outrage… and then? Nothing. But Macpherson insists this time will be different. “People will be held accountable,” he says.
Still, South Africans are justified in their scepticism. Billions go missing every year and very few officials see the inside of a courtroom, let alone a jail cell. And in the meantime, our hospitals remain broken, underfunded, and without oxygen plants that could literally save lives.
A System Built on Self-Enrichment
This scandal isn’t just about one tender — it’s a reflection of how deeply broken the public procurement system is in South Africa. Projects meant to serve the public are hijacked by insiders and political allies chasing personal wealth. The IDT is just the latest example of how public institutions have been turned into cash machines for a connected few.
If Macpherson is serious, this must go beyond disciplinary letters and suspended tenders. Heads must roll. Money must be recovered. People must go to jail.
Until then, we’re all just choking on the fumes of state corruption.
