Gordhan next up to face parliament over Eskom corruption claims

 ·27 Apr 2023

Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) says it will invite the parties who were mentioned by former Eskom Group Chief Executive Officer, André de Ruyter in his submission to the committee.

Scopa engaged with de Ruyter on the submission he made following a request from the committee that he appears to elaborate on his interview on ENCA alleging corruption and malfeasance at Eskom.

The main point of inquiry directed at de Ruyter centred around his allegations that corruption was entrenched at Eskom and that a senior minister had apparently been well aware of another high-ranking politician’s involvement.

Scopa wanted de Ruyter to name the two individuals. However, de Ruyter said he would not, as it posed a security risk to himself, could draw further legal troubles, and might defeat the ends of justice by disrupting ongoing investigations.

The former Eskom CEO said that he had reported the names and the related matters to his shareholder representative, Public Enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan, and that he would be best suited to answer the committee’s questions.

Scopa said it would invite Gordhan and the other security and investigation teams de Ruyter mentioned to answer these questions.

The committee has indicated that it plans to invite the Minister of Public Enterprises, Mr Pravin Gordhan and the Board of Eskom.

It also plans to invite the Advisor to President Cyril Ramaphosa, Dr Sydney Mufamadi, the State Security Agency, Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (HAWKS), National Prosecuting Authority, Special Investigating Unit, and the South African Police Service.

“The committee plans to meet these cited parties to get more information on the allegations made by Mr de Ruyter. Mr de Ruyter has told SCOPA to contact the HAWKS, Mr Gordhan and Dr Mufamadi for further details on the allegations that he made in the eNCA interview.

“He indicated that he reported the identity of a high-ranking politician as well as individuals he referred to in his interview as allegedly involved in criminal activities in Eskom to Mr Gordhan, Dr Mufamadi and the HAWKS,” it said.

The committee expressed disappointment at de Ruyter’s reticence on the matter, believing that he “missed an opportunity to take the nation into his confidence on these matters”.

“The committee also plans to find out from law enforcement agencies what progress has been made in the cases that Mr de Ruyter says he reported in April last year. The committee will then proceed with the logical parliamentary processes after it has engaged with all these parties,” it said.


Read: De Ruyter not naming names in alleged ANC Eskom corruption

Show comments
Subscribe to our daily newsletter