Eskom Delays Final Report on Diesel Contract Investigation

Eskom has extended the deadline for concluding its review of alleged irregularities in the procurement and storage of diesel, saying the complexity of the investigation requires further legal analysis before any final action can be taken.

The South African power utility said it will issue its next and final update on the matter by 31 August 2026, after initially expecting the legal review to be completed by 31 July.

The investigation centres on Tender MWP2197GX, which covers the procurement and storage of diesel fuel. Eskom received a comprehensive report from an independent forensic firm at the end of June and has since subjected the findings to internal governance, legal review and quality assurance processes.

The utility explained that the additional work is necessary to ensure that any disciplinary or legal action arising from the investigation is supported by sufficient evidence and follows the required procedures.

Diesel deliveries matched payments

Eskom disclosed that a separate physical verification and reconciliation exercise conducted by a third-party service provider found no discrepancies between diesel delivered or held by the utility and the amounts paid as of 30 June 2026.

The verification focused on matching diesel deliveries with invoices associated with Tender MWP2197GX.

The finding is significant because the investigation into the contracts had raised questions about procurement practices and contract management. While the verification did not identify discrepancies between diesel volumes and payments, Eskom said disciplinary proceedings involving procurement officials are continuing over compliance with procurement procedures.

The utility revealed that document analysis, supplementary interviews and examination of legal issues surrounding the management of the contracts are still required.

Eskom noted that the legal review is intended to test the soundness of the investigation's findings and determine the appropriate basis for any action that may follow.

The investigation comes as Eskom continues to face scrutiny over procurement, governance and financial management, areas that have been central to wider efforts to restore the utility's operational and financial sustainability.

The utility affirmed that it was treating the matter as a priority but would not disclose further details while its internal processes remain ongoing.

Eskom also encouraged employees and other stakeholders to report suspected wrongdoing through its established whistleblowing channels, saying such reports would be handled confidentially.