The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration in nine Eskom contracts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a proclamation authorising the corruption busting unit to probe the power utility\u2019s affairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The SIU said it will investigate the following contracts:
\u2022 The procurement of and contracting for coal from Tegeta Exploration and Resources (Pty) Limited for coal supplied by Optimum Coal Mine (Pty) Limited and the Brakfontein Colliery Mine.
\u2022 Procuring and contracting for coal information technology services under a master services agreement concluded with T Systems International GmbH.
\u2022 The procurement of and contracting for information technology services related to software licence and support agreements concluded with SAP South Africa (Pty) Limited.
\u2022 Procurement of and contracting for coal services concerning Task Order SM008 for \u201ccapital scrubbing\u201d
\u2022 The procurement of and contracting for coal security services from Combined Private Investigations (Pty) Limited.
\u2022 The procurement of and contracting for coal forensic investigation services from Kapditwala Incorporated, trading as Dentons South Africa.
\u2022 The procurement of and contracting for information technology services from Cutting Edge Commerce (Pty) Limited (formerly Leonardo Business Consulting).
\u2022 Serious maladministration in connection with the affairs of Eskom relating to a pre-payment by Eskom of approximately R1.68 billion for coal from Optimum Coal Mine to Hendrina Power Station, which pre-payment was later changed to a guarantee.
\u2022 Serious maladministration in connection with the affairs of Eskom relating to a pre-payment by Eskom of approximately R659 million to Tegeta Exploration and Resources (Pty) Limited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAdditionally, the SIU will investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure incurred by Eskom or the State. The investigation will encompass any unlawful or improper conduct by Eskom officials, employees, suppliers, service providers, or any other involved parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 1 March 2006 and 30 August 2024, as well as any related activities before 1 March 2006 and after the date of the Proclamation that are pertinent to the matters under investigation or involve the same persons, entities, or contracts,\u201d the SIU said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, the unit said the proclamation authorising it to investigate allegations at the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform has been amended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe amendment results from the SIU\u2019s investigations, which revealed that the SIU needs to investigate further areas that the existing proclamations did not cover. The SIU requested a Proclamation amendment in terms of time and focus areas,\u201d the unit said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The amendment additionally authorises the SIU to investigate the acquisition by the Department or beneficiaries of:
\u2022 the Bekendvlei, Nirwanda, Wonderhoek, Mont Piquet, Appelkloof and Rietvlei farms.
\u2022 Mike’s Chicken (Pty) Limited, immovable assets and animals for Project Harmonie, Project Uitkyk and Project Dipalemo.
\u2022 Shares in Bambanani Fruits BEE (Pty) Limited regarding the Department’s Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy or the Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development Policy and identifying, selecting and appointing strategic partners and beneficiaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAdditionally, the SIU will investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the State. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe investigation will encompass any unlawful, improper or corrupt conduct by Department Officials, employees, suppliers, service providers, or any other involved parties. Beyond investigating maladministration, corruption, and fraud, the SIU will identify systemic failures and recommend measures to prevent future losses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority [NPA] for further action,\u201d the SIU concluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n