AMABHUNGANE: UPDATE: Eskom admits to R3-billion in payments ‘outside of contractual terms’
Eskom released the results of its 18-month investigation into R21-billion worth of diesel contracts, but failed to make a full and frank disclosure.
On Thursday night, Eskom acknowledged making R3-billion in irregular payments to diesel suppliers, deviating from the company's initial disclosure. The payments were made to three suppliers between January and April 2025 as Eskom struggled with load shedding. Eskom CEO Dan Marokane stated that while operational pressures existed, the company remained obligated to follow internal controls and governance requirements.
Critics argue that the prepayments were ineffective in ensuring a reliable diesel supply, as Eskom had already made four such payments by February 2025. Eskom has also identified R38-billion in irregular expenditure on previous diesel contracts, which ended in December 2024. However, Eskom maintains that no financial loss has been identified, and the matter has been referred to the Group Security & Investigation unit.
Eskom's latest disclosure shows the company has backed away from its initial claims regarding the R21-billion tender award process.
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