Diesel and coal contracts: AfriForum takes Eskom to court over denied information

31 October 2023

AfriForum took to the High Court in Pretoria today in a bid to force Eskom to disclose information regarding the electricity giant’s existing coal and diesel contracts. Eskom previously refused to disclose this information, but the civil rights organisation is now attempting to obtain information about these contracts in order to expose corruption and mismanagement at Eskom.

AfriForum argues that Eskom, as one of the country’s largest and most important state-owned enterprises, has a legal obligation to operate transparently and responsibly. Therefore, AfriForum believes that Eskom should make all contracts regarding the purchase and transport of coal and diesel public. AfriForum also requests comprehensive details about Eskom’s contracts with neighbouring countries regarding the sale of electricity to the countries concerned.

Transparency is indispensable to maintain public confidence and to prevent corrupt practices and maladministration. AfriForum is dedicated to protecting the interests of the South African public and in maintaining South Africa’s democratic principles of transparency and accountability. AfriForum believes that this case is an important step in the establishment of a more transparent and accountable public sector in South Africa.

According to Johan Kruger, Energy Manager at AfriForum, Eskom owes these documents to the public to ensure that mismanagement and fruitless expenditure in Eskom is brought to a halt. “It is unbelievable that Eskom still refuses this kind of information in a society that is supposed to function in an open and transparent manner. Taxpayers and end consumers are entitled to know what Eskom spends on which service providers – especially in the midst of the current power crisis. AfriForum plays an essential watchdog role to ensure that tax money is not thrown down a dark pit without accountability,” emphasises Kruger.

According to Kruger, Eskom is now frantically scrambling to portray AfriForum as a competitor and that they therefore do not have to provide this information to the organisation. This follows after the organisation launched AfriForum Energy earlier this year – an initiative that seeks to bring renewable energy solutions to individuals, small businesses and communities. “AfriForum Energy’s focus is not the same as that of Eskom as our goal is to ensure that our members and the wider community achieve energy independence,” concludes Kruger.

Judgement was reserved in the matter.

Issued by Morné Mostert, Head: Local Government, AfriForum, 31 October 2023