Eskom is bringing in outside investigators to tackle a growing backlog of forensic cases that has slowed disciplinary processes and accountability efforts across the utility.
The company has issued a tender for a panel of forensic specialists expected to begin work in September. The move comes after years of accumulated investigations that have remained unresolved, creating pressure on Eskom’s ability to close cases and act against wrongdoing within reasonable timeframes.
Eskom says its internal forensic unit remains operational, but the volume and complexity of older cases now require additional capacity.
The utility plans to appoint between eight and ten service providers. Work will be distributed equally among them to speed up investigations.
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The scope extends beyond traditional forensic auditing. Eskom is seeking firms with capabilities in digital forensics, data analytics, artificial intelligence-assisted investigations, handwriting analysis, document examination and polygraph services.
The project signals a broader shift inside Eskom. The utility is increasingly focusing not only on keeping power stations running but also on rebuilding governance systems damaged during years of operational and financial instability.
For investors and regulators, the message is straightforward: investigations that sit unresolved for years weaken accountability. Eskom wants those cases closed.
By Thuita Gatero, Managing Editor, Africa Digest News.
