State-owned utility Eskom has received the report on the findings of an independent investigation into diesel procurement and storage contracts under tender MWP2197GX.

The report is undergoing a review in line with Eskom’s internal governance process before implementation of its recommendations.

Eskom’s Group Investigations and Security function in March 2025 initiated the investigation into possible irregularities relating to the procurement of diesel fuel and storage contracts under tender MWP2197GX.

This followed the monitoring of contract performance during operational emergencies that involved loadshedding in early 2025, as well as information received through established reporting and whistleblowing mechanisms.

On May 15, Eskom provided an update on the investigation following the receipt of the interim report, conducted by an independent forensic firm. 

In this update, Eskom indicated that the investigation findings on the procurement aspects of the tender were sufficient for the utility to start disciplinary action against the identified procurement officials and this is now in motion.

The independent forensic firm has delivered its comprehensive report and the matter is progressing through the required internal corporate governance, legal review and quality assurance processes to ensure that all findings strictly meet the necessary evidentiary and procedural standards to support any disciplinary and legal action, Eskom assures stakeholders.

As part of strengthening the evidentiary base of the investigation, Eskom previously expanded the scope of work associated with the management of the contracts following the interim report, to include further document analysis, supplementary interviews and digital forensic reviews of key records.

“We remain committed to taking the corrective actions on the findings of this investigation with the appropriate level of legal thoroughness given what is at stake. We will update stakeholders at the end of the quality assurance process, which is expected to be by the end of July,” says Eskom group CE Dan Marokane.

Eskom had previously reported this matter to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), in line with the requirements of Section 34 (4) of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act.

Once the quality assurance step is completed, the report will also be handed to the DPCI.