Gordhan refuses to name politicians allegedly involved in Eskom corruption

Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan appeared before the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) on Wednesday, 17 May, to answer questions over allegations of corruption at Eskom.

READ: SCOPA frustrated: De Ruyter refuses to drop names in Parliament

Gordhan faces SCOPA

The allegations of corruption, theft, maladministration, sabotage, lack of consequence management, cartels and other financial irregularities at the power utility were raised by former Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter. Gordhan said de Ruyter informed him of the investigation six months after the probe started.

Gordhan said he did not approve de Ruyter’s privately-funded Eskom investigation, which has since been called into question.

READ: De Ruyter’s allegations based on unsubstantiated claims by apartheid-era spy – report

According to Gordhan, no reports from the private investigation were made to the Eskom board or any board structure.

Minister refuses to implicate politicians

Like the former CEO, the Minister would not name any politicians allegedly involved in corruption at the power utility.

Gordhan said he would not smear anyone’s name without credible facts and noted the harm intelligence dossiers have done to South Africa and its public institutions.

READ: Nearly a week since Nakane Lizane disappeared, police say they have no leads

During de Ruyter’s appearance before SCOPA in April, the former CEO told SCOPA to get the information from the officials he reported the matter to – Gordhan and National Security Advisor Dr Sydney Mufamadi.

READ: New dagga smuggling tactic uncovered at Mahamba Port of Entry

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY STORM SIMPSON