Eskom receives its report on independent investigation into diesel procurement and storage contracts and announces further action taken

Monday, 29 June 2026: Eskom has received the report on the independent investigation into diesel procurement and storage contracts under tender MWP2197GX. The report is going through review in line with Eskom’s internal governance process before implementation of the recommendations in the report.

Eskom’s Group Investigations and Security (GIS) function initiated in March 2025 an investigation into possible irregularities relating to the procurement of diesel fuel and storage contracts (tender MWP2197GX).  This was following 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 15 May 2026, Eskom provided its latest update: Eskom outlines first key actions arising from interim investigation report into diesel procurement and storage contract; possibility of criminal charges not ruled out – Eskom, 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 MWP2197GX were sufficient for Eskom to commence disciplinary action on the identified procurement officials and this is in motion.

Report results

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.

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,” said Dan Marokane, Eskom Group Chief Executive.

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

Next steps

Considering the internal processes currently underway as well as the consequence management steps Eskom is already taking, and may need to further take, to address the identified procurement and contract management breaches relating to this matter, and the possibility of criminal prosecution as communicated on 15 May 2026, Eskom is not in a position to engage on the details or comment further at this stage, so as not to jeopardise the next stage of the process.

Eskom supports and encourages the reporting of any concerns or alleged wrongdoing through its established whistleblowing and reporting mechanisms and treats all such information with the necessary seriousness and confidentiality.

Eskom calls on the public to report any illegal activity affecting its operations to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.

ENDS