SIU investigation into Eskom contracts only the beginning of the fight against corruption at the power giant – AfriForum

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will now investigate alleged corruption and maladministration in nine Eskom contracts. AfriForum considers this a giant step to promote accountability, but the organisation believes that this is only the beginning of a larger battle to confront corruption at the power supplier. The announcement from the SIU follows after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a proclamation giving the anti-corruption unit the power to investigate these matters at the power supplier.

AfriForum already submitted an application in July 2022 in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to Eskom to obtain information about its coal and diesel contracts. The organisation believes that Eskom’s coal and diesel contracts contain information that may expose irregularities and corruption at the power supplier.

The SIU’s investigation will largely focus on the procurement and contracting of coal and coal services, information technology services, software license and support agreements, security services, maladministration of advance payments and forensic investigation services for coal.

Furthermore, the SIU has also indicated that it will investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless or wasteful expenditure incurred by Eskom or the government. This will include any illegal or improper behaviour by Eskom officials, employees, suppliers, service providers, and other parties involved.

According to Charné Mostert, Campaign Officer on Corruption at AfriForum, this announcement highlights the fact that there is deep-rooted corruption and maladministration at Eskom. “This makes it inevitable that Eskom must reveal the details of these contracts. We will continue unabated to demand that these contracts be made completely public so that the public can see the extent of the Eskom crisis.”