Eskom diesel procurement breaches revive questions about crisis spending
Eskom says disciplinary proceedings will follow after forensic findings pointed to non-compliance in diesel procurement for emergency power generation.
Emergency power, ordinary rules
Eskom is preparing disciplinary proceedings after an independent forensic review found non-adherence to procurement processes in diesel purchases for open-cycle gas turbines.
Diesel spending has often been defended as an emergency measure to reduce load-shedding, but emergency pressure does not remove the obligation to follow procurement controls.
The governance risk
When crisis spending becomes routine, weak controls can become a permanent channel for waste or favouritism. Eskom's final report will matter because it may show whether the failures were isolated or systemic.
What to watch
The next test is whether discipline reaches decision-makers, or whether only junior officials carry the consequences for procurement failures approved higher up.
Sources: Engineering News reporting published on 15 May 2026.
Investigative journalist. Specialises in corruption, governance and accountability reporting.