INLSA

Eskom energy supply crisis. Picture: Dumisani Sibeko

A Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into Eskom's activities is a chance to hold the parastatal accountable for South Africa's electricity problems, the DA said on Thursday.

“We hope that this investigation will be the first step towards a more efficient electricity distribution network,” said DA MP Natasha Michael in a statement.

She said South Africans had had to bear the burden of escalating electricity prices, unforeseen blackouts and the negative impact of rising production costs on doing business.

“We expect the SIU to use the significant powers at its disposal, such as the ability to subpoena any person to appear before it under oath, to ensure that those responsible are held to account.”

In March last year, Eskom and the SIU announced they would work together to fight corruption at the parastatal.

During the three-year partnership, the SIU, government's corruption fighting agency, would deploy a full-time team of investigators to check all Eskom divisions.

On Tuesday, Eskom announced the SIU investigation had been formally authorised by a presidential proclamation.

Michael said the DA had campaigned for a probe into Eskom's affairs, and would closely monitor the unit's investigation.

The SIU would concentrate on examining the procurement of coal and transport services, and look at any undisclosed interests held in companies doing business with Eskom. - Sapa