Call to probe Eskom deal intensifies

THE African Security Congress (ASC) has ramped up calls for an in-depth investigation into a R500-million security contract awarded three years ago by power utility Eskom to Fidelity Security Services.

- SIPHO JACK

The ASC says there are irregularities associated with the emergency procurement processes administered by Eskom in making the award.

Ever since doubts emerged about the legitimacy and necessity of the contract that came into effect in 2022, the ASC, a political movement that champions the interests of private security guards, have been outspoken about their objection to the contract award.

They have since made repeated calls for a police investigation to be instituted.

And they have made repeated calls for a police investigation to be instituted.

ASC president, Teboho Motloung, in an open letter last month, yet again expressed their concerns regarding what he labelled as "deliberately stalled" investigations into the security deal, which was awarded without following the standard competitive bidding protocols.

"Key officials, including former COO Jan Oberholzer, former CEO André de Ruyter, and Eskom's head of security, Karen Pillay, were implicated in the irregular contract," Motloung stated, in demanding immediate action and an independent referral to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).