Cape Town – Eskom has suspended its acting head of security, Karen Pillay, as a precautionary measure.
According to News24, the suspension is connected to a R500 million emergency security contract awarded to Fidelity Services for investigating coal theft last year.
Eskom sources indicate that pressure from the board led to Pillay’s suspension, although she is said to be cooperating with the investigation into the contract.
“The accusation is that Eskom did not follow proper procurement processes. But Eskom said the contract was awarded in line with its procurement procedure and National Treasury directives for emergency procurement of services,” the report said.
Eskom, however, has denied the allegations, asserting that it has been quoted inaccurately, Times Live reported.
“Eskom has been once again been misquoted by City Press, that is, on reasons why Adv Pillay is being placed on precautionary suspension. However, Eskom confirms that Adv Karen Pillay is placed on precautionary suspension to allow space for the investigation on allegations levelled against her to continue unhindered. No further comments will be provided on this matter until the investigation is finalised,” the report quoted the power utility as saying.
IOL reported on Thursday thathe African Security Congress (ASC), a political party advocating for the welfare of private security guards, particularly in the public sector, conducted a press conference on Tuesday and demanded further consequences for those involved.
During the briefing, the party alleged that Jan Oberholzer, the operations manager, and former CEO André de Ruyter colluded with Pillay to grant an uncontested tender to FSS.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
