South Africans are once again at the mercy of Eskom as rolling blackouts return, deepening the crisis of unreliable electricity supply that has persisted for almost two decades. Despite repeated promises of reform, Eskom continues to haemorrhage public funds due to unchecked deviations, regular bailouts, and irregular spending.
In the first three months of the 2024/25 financial year alone, Eskom pursued 639 deviations, amounting to approximately R23 billion in public funds—an alarming increase from the R18.6 billion recorded in the preceding three months.
These deviations allow Eskom to bypass standard procurement processes, enabling contractors to overcharge both Eskom and municipalities, further deepening the financial crisis within the energy sector.
Build One South Africa (BOSA) calls for an immediate and independent audit of all contractors currently billing Eskom and municipalities. The South African public has a right to know:
- Which companies are benefiting from Eskom’s procurement deviations?
- Why are these companies being awarded contracts without proper competitive bidding? What accounting processes are in place to ensure transparency and accountability?
BOSA further demands an end to the culture of financial mismanagement that has plagued Eskom for years. Every deviation represents another step towards fiscal recklessness, eroding public trust and exacerbating the energy crisis.
The staggering R23 billion spent in just three months is money that could have been allocated to long-term energy security solutions instead of fuelling a cycle of corruption and inefficiency.
The return of rolling blackouts signals not only an operational failure but a financial one. And South Africans are being forced to pay an unsustainable price for an energy system riddled with corruption and mismanagement.
BOSA will continue to push for full accountability and will not rest until those responsible for Eskom’s financial demise are held to account.
It is time for Eskom to be run in the interest of the people, not in the interest of a select few who exploit the system for personal gain.
Media Statement by
Roger Solomons: BOSA Acting Spokesperson
Wednesday 26 February 2025
Media Enquiries:
Roger Solomons – BOSA Acting Spokesperson – 072 299 3551