- Eskom says its diesel procurement and storage investigation is in final stages.
- Supreme Court of Appeal orders disclosure of coal, diesel and power supply contracts.
- Ruling strengthens transparency amid ongoing scrutiny of procurement practices.
South Africa’s state-owned utility Eskom has confirmed that its internal investigation into diesel procurement and storage contracts is nearing completion, as pressure mounts for greater transparency across its fuel supply chain.
The probe, initiated by Eskom’s Group Investigations and Security Department, forms part of broader governance, risk and assurance processes aimed at identifying potential irregularities. The utility said the investigation is now in its final phase but remains subject to internal governance, legal and assurance reviews before any findings are disclosed.
Eskom reiterated its support for whistleblowing and encouraged stakeholders to report concerns through formal channels, adding that all disclosures are treated with strict confidentiality. The utility acknowledged interest from civil society groups including AfriForum, but declined to comment further while the process remains ongoing.
The update comes as the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein recemtly ruled against Eskom in a separate but related matter, ordering the utility to release key coal, diesel and electricity supply contracts. The court dismissed Eskom’s appeal with costs, upholding a 2024 ruling by the Gauteng High Court.
Eskom had argued that the contracts contained commercially sensitive information. However, the court found that disclosure is permitted under the Promotion of Access to Information Act and that there was no evidence to support claims that publication would harm the utility or third parties.
Judge Elizabeth Baartman stated that the public has a right to access agreements concluded in its interest, reinforcing the principle of accountability in state owned enterprises.
The judgment concludes a legal process that began nearly four years ago when AfriForum first sought access to the contracts, citing concerns over governance and procurement practices. Eskom procures more than 100 megatons of coal annually, making fuel sourcing one of its largest cost drivers.
AfriForum said it will assemble a team of experts to assess whether the disclosed contracts are market related and compliant with legal standards, a move likely to intensify oversight of South Africa’s energy procurement landscape.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
