Parliament, Friday 14 March 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy received a briefing from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) on the findings from the ongoing investigations into allegations of corruption, maladministration, and misconduct at Eskom and related entities.
In presenting the findings the committee, the SIU highlighted civil litigation to recover losses incurred by the state, disciplinary actions against implicated officials, and referrals to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for criminal proceedings, among other things.
Committee members expressed concern over the systemic failures in procurement processes and conflicts of interest that have been identified. They questioned how the SIU plans to ensure accountability among senior management and whether adequate measures are being taken to prevent further misconduct.
The committee sought explanation on, among other things, the discrepancy between the number of employees who failed to complete conflict of interest declarations, and the number referred for disciplinary action. They also sought clarification on how many executives remain employed despite being implicated in corruption.
In response, the SIU confirmed that while many employees had not completed their declarations of interest, the majority are subject to ongoing investigations. The SIU informed the committee that several cases are complex, requiring thorough examination before disciplinary actions can be finalised.
The SIU emphasised its commitment to pursuing civil recoveries against individuals and entities involved in wrongdoing, and that no one would be exempt from accountability, regardless of their position. It also highlighted that criminal referrals had been made to the NPA, and they would continue to support the prosecution process.
The SIU informed the committee that while over 5,000 employees were flagged for not completing these declarations, only a fraction of them had been referred for disciplinary action thus far.
Another area of discussion was the NPA's role in prosecuting criminal cases arising from the SIU's findings. The committee expressed concerns about the pace of prosecutions and whether the NPA would pursue charges against high-ranking officials, including those who had resigned or left Eskom. The SIU reassured the committee that they are collaborating with the NPA and that no individual, regardless of their status, would be shielded from prosecution if evidence of wrongdoing is found.
The committee stressed the need for the restoration of public confidence in Eskom. It also expressed its intention to monitor progress closely and to support the SIU's recommendations for systemic improvements at Eskom. It also called for greater transparency in the investigations, highlighting the importance of keeping the public informed about ongoing efforts to combat corruption in the energy sector.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON ELECTRICITY AND ENERGY, MS NONKOSI MVANA.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Yoliswa Landu (Ms)
Cell: 081 497 4694
E-mail: ylandu@parliament.gov.za
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