State-owned power utility Eskom says its newly established Group Investigations and Security department is in the final stages of completing an investigation into alleged irregularities relating to the procurement of diesel and storage contracts.

The investigation remains subject to internal governance, legal and assurance processes, the utility states.

Eskom has reaffirmed its commitment to ethical conduct, stating that it encourages the reporting of concerns or alleged wrongdoing through its whistleblowing mechanisms, with all disclosures treated with the necessary seriousness and confidentiality.

The utility also acknowledges the interest expressed by civil society organisation AfriForum and other stakeholders in relation to this matter.

AfriForum earlier this week said it was representing a whistleblower, who had reported that the utility was in possession of a forensic report exposing possible corruption and irregularties in the awarding and management of diesel procurement and storage contracts, but was failing to take action.

Eskom states that the matter is still pending and that it is, therefore, not in a position to comment further at this stage. Updates will be communicated in due course, in line with applicable governance and regulatory requirements.