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Johannesburg, Feb 7 (I-Net Bridge) - In March 2011, Eskom and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) announced they would co-operate to fight corruption, in an initiative which is in line with Eskom's commitment to government's anti-corruption initiatives, and aims to strengthen the organisation's governance as a whole.
Specifically, Eskom requested the SIU to examine whether there was corruption, fraud or maladministration in a cross-section of Eskom's divisions, with a special focus on procurement, and on staff or management doing business with Eskom.
This investigation has now been formally authorised by a Presidential Proclamation (No. R.2 of 2012, published on 07 February 2012).
The Proclamation means that the SIU can use the full range of its powers, including ordering any person by notice in writing to produce or deliver specified books, documents or objects; and/or to appear in person before the SIU and to answer questions under oath or affirmation.
"The SIU has spent a considerable amount of time carrying out initial scanning and analysis to allow it to have a better sense of the key areas on which the investigation should focus. These include the procurement of coal and transport services, as well as any undisclosed interests held in companies doing business with Eskom. The areas cover concerns raised by Eskom as well as allegations made by members of the public," the parties said in a joint statement.
"If any criminal matters are identified, they will be referred to the relevant prosecuting authority for action, and the SIU will work closely with the National Prosecuting Authority and the South African Police Service, as needed."
The SIU will be working closely with Eskom's in-house forensic capacity.
"This will help to strengthen Eskom's current efforts and to ensure that it is ethical, well governed and has appropriate fraud detection and prevention measures in place, in line with Eskom's values."
