Power utility Eskom has announced that its internal investigation into alleged irregularities involving diesel procurement and storage contracts is now in its final stages. This comes after allegations by AfriForum that Eskom may be losing hundreds of millions of rand due to possible irregularities and governance failures in its diesel procurement and storage arrangements.
The utility said the investigation was launched as part of its normal governance and risk processes and is now in its final stages. The matter is still subject to internal legal and assurance checks, and Eskom cannot comment on the details at this point. As part of its ongoing governance, risk and assurance processes, Eskom’s newly established Group Investigations and Security Department launched an investigation into possible irregularities relating to the procurement of diesel fuel and storage contracts.
Diesel Procurement Irregularities
Eskom can confirm the investigation is now in its final stages of completion and remains subject to internal governance, legal and assurance processes. The state-owned utility added that it supports the reporting of any suspected wrongdoing through its whistleblowing systems, and that all such reports are treated seriously. According to the Eskom website, the utility is committed to transparency and accountability in all its dealings.
Whistleblowing and Governance
Eskom supports and encourages the reporting of any concerns or alleged wrongdoing through its established whistleblowing and reporting mechanisms and treats all such information with the necessary seriousness and confidentiality. Eskom is also aware of the interest expressed by AfriForum and other stakeholders in relation to this matter. Given that the matter is still pending, Eskom is not in a position to engage on the details or comment further at this stage.
Some of the key issues that the investigation is likely to focus on include:
- Possible irregularities in the procurement of diesel fuel
- Governance failures in the management of storage contracts
- Allegations of misconduct by Eskom employees or contractors
For more information on Eskom’s governance and risk management processes, visit the South African Government website for information on the country’s regulatory framework.
