Power producer Eskom says it has yet to uncover evidence of the corruption claimed by erstwhile CEO André de Ruyter in his explosive book published in May 2023.
De Ruyter, who quit the role in December of 2022, had also launched a private investigation into corruption at Eskom at the end of 2021. It was conducted by forensic investigation organisation George Fivaz Forensic & Risk, which compiled a damning report on criminal activity at Eskom implicating government officials.
Eskom said in its 2024 annual report it has yet to uncover evidence of allegations contained in either the Fivaz report or De Ruyter’s book.
“An independent legal firm was appointed to obtain the private intelligence dossiers resulting from the investigation commissioned by the former GCE (which Eskom did not have direct access to) and assist the board in addressing matters arising from allegations made in the dossiers as well as the former GCE’s book,” the annual report reads.
“Despite the lack of evidence presented in the dossiers, the legal firm is consolidating the findings to aid in identifying matters for further investigation, and comparing them to those matters that were already subject to active investigations, in order to optimise remediation efforts. We are co-operating with all external investigations and inquiries related to these matters.”
One of the allegations made by De Ruyter was that about R1bn is stolen a month from the entity, which includes the theft of fuel and infrastructure at the power stations.
Eskom admitted it was still a challenge to have its employees comply with the Public Finance Management Act, and the company had, with the assistance of an independent service provider, concluded an assessment of its crime risk management landscape during the 2024 financial year.
“The assessment focused on identifying risks related to bribery and corruption, financial crime, physical asset crime, cybercrime and money laundering. Eskom is in the process of addressing the findings and recommendations,” the annual report reads.
“The Office of the GCFO is overseeing the consolidation and co-ordination of these initiatives to avoid duplication of efforts and promote more effective implementation. The second phase will focus on the design, improvement and implementation of appropriate and sustainable control frameworks to prevent and detect crime risks.”
Eskom has since established a single investigative unit, called Group Investigations and Security (GIS), to consolidate its crime prevention efforts.
“Establishment of GIS commenced during the 2025 financial year, with Ms Tembela Kulu appointed as general manager: investigations and security from 1 October 2024. Ms Kulu reports directly to the GCE and is a permanent invitee to Exco,” the entity said.
“The final integration activities for establishment of GIS are underway. A dedicated project management office has been established to address findings from internal and external investigations as well as data analytics more timeously.”
Eskom is looking to clamp down on the theft of coal, fuel oil and diesel, as well as threats of sabotage at its facilities. Since 2022, it said, authorities had made more than 50 arrests and shut down more than 20 illegal coal-swapping sites.
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