By Staff Reporter
In a significant development, the Association of Private Security Owners of South Africa (TAPSOSA) has expressed its appreciation of the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) findings regarding Eskom’s questionable emergency security contracts linked to certain implicated companies.
TAPSOSA says it believes this outcome validates its members, who have endured harassment from Eskom for their courageous whistleblowing efforts and demands for transparency and accountability.
In a press statement released on Monday, the association’s spokesperson Sindiswa Changuion said: “TAPSOSA welcomes the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) findings on Eskom’s irregular emergency security contracts awarded to implicated security companies. TAPSOSA feels vindicated, as its members have faced victimisation by Eskom for whistleblowing and calling for full disclosure and accountability.
“We demand the immediate dismissal of all individuals involved in fabricating fictitious emergencies to justify awarding these dubious contracts. The SIU findings further reveal that the awarded companies subcontracted 90% of the work to third-party providers, raising serious concerns about procurement integrity.”
Last Wednesday, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) revealed that it has embarked on an extensive investigation into corruption at Eskom, exposing shocking schemes in which employees are accused of tampering with procurement processes to misappropriate more than R1 billion. This thorough investigation is considered a vital effort to combat the pervasive corruption that has beset South Africa’s power utility.
TAPSOSA has expressed serious concerns regarding the situation involving Eskom’s acting Head of Security, Ms Karen Pillay. The organisation deems it unacceptable that Pillay, who was placed on precautionary suspension in 2023, continues to receive compensation funded by taxpayers, especially in light of substantial evidence pointing to corruption.
“It is unacceptable that Eskom’s acting Head of Security, Ms. Karen Pillay who was placed on precautionary suspension in 2023, continues to receive taxpayer-funded compensation despite clear evidence of corruption. Moreover, it is evident that Ms. Pillay, along with the former CEO and COO, were not the only ones implicated. Those still employed by Eskom and involved in these corrupt dealings must be held accountable.”
TAPSOSA has also called upon the National Treasury, which oversees the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), to intervene in situations where marginalised security companies are being unfairly targeted by entrenched networks operating within state-owned enterprises.
“These entities have manipulated procurement processes, continue to block their vendor numbers and withhold payments amounting to over R1.3 billion, all in favour of monopolising companies.
“It is especially disheartening that security companies recently awarded contracts by Eskom and other state entities are now being subjected to arbitrary, non-procedural barriers designed to nullify their appointments. This deliberate sabotage only serves to reinforce corruption and maintain monopolistic control over state entities.”
In a bold declaration, the association has pledged to maintain its unwavering commitment to uncovering corruption, victimisation, and procurement irregularities within state-owned enterprises.
“We remain steadfast in exposing corruption, victimisation, and procurement manipulation in state-owned enterprises. We will not relent in advocating for transparency, fairness, and accountability from those entrusted to serve the public.”