DA calls for a full independent forensic audit of Eskom
Given the dire state of power utility Eskom, the effect on the economy and the lives of ordinary citizens, the Democratic Alliance hereby calls for a full independent forensic audit of Eskom.
The system of patronage, graft and political paybacks have prevailed, and urgent steps need to be taken to remedy the situation. This rot cannot be left unattended, as it has for decades, under successive ANC governments.
This follows remarks for Jan Oberholzer, Eskom’s COO in media interviews that “it doesn’t help to blame others for what happened in the past” and that “Eskom is captured ... [it] runs right through the entire organisation”.
Additionally, it is not sufficient to re-establish an Energy War Room to be chaired by Deputy President David Mabuza, which will include Minister of Finance Tito Mboweni, Minister of Energy Gwede Mantashe and Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan – the same quartet that has delivered the utility and the country to this parlous place.
What is needed is a thorough investigation into the maladministration and rot that has beset this key utility. Current measures announced by the Presidency, including the accelerated installation of André de Ruyter as Eskom’s new CEO, raises questions about the terms of reference of his appointment and whether this would involve buying him out of his current contract with Nampak.