South Africa’s graft ombudsman will hold a week of hearings as part of an investigation into the awarding of contracts to independent renewable power producers.
The probe was established in 2019 after a complaint by a nongovernmental organisation that alleged “improper conduct and maladministration” by Eskom Holdings and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, the Public Prosecutor’s spokesperson Oupa Segalwe said in a post on Twitter.
The complaint alleges that Eskom’s contracts to buy electricity from so-called independent power producers were tainted by corruption and that unidentified senior executives came under political pressure to agree to the terms. Another grievance from a whistle-blower was received during the course of the investigation.
Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe will be the first to give evidence on Tuesday, Segalwe said. The hearings will continue through Friday.