Eskom says all diesel accounted for after probe, but AmaBhungane alleges missing fuel

Eskom says independent verification shows all diesel procured under tender MWP2197GX was delivered or accounted for, but an AmaBhungane investigation has alleged the utility paid hundreds of millions of rand for diesel that never arrived.

What Eskom says

On 27 August 2026, Eskom released findings from independent legal assessments, reconciliation and verification processes into diesel procurement under tender MWP2197GX. The utility said an independent reconciliation found no evidence that paid-for diesel was missing. In its statement Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane said:

“Independent verification processes have confirmed that all diesel paid for was delivered and/or accounted for within Eskom’s supply chain or contractual terms.”

Marokane acknowledged the strain on operations earlier in the year and emphasised governance obligations, saying:

“The period between January and March 2025 placed significant demands on the power system and required rapid operational responses and difficult decisions by employees and executives to maintain security of supply and protect grid stability. However, operational pressures do not diminish our obligation to comply fully with internal controls and governance requirements.”

Scope and findings of the probe

The probe began in March 2025 after contract performance was monitored during load-shedding emergencies and following whistleblower reports. Eskom said the forensic probe reflected evolving controls and warned that irregularities will be escalated transparently, with criminal or civil recoveries pursued where appropriate.

While the verification found no missing fuel, the investigation did identify governance lapses. Eskom said irregular payments of about R3 billion across three suppliers were made in early 2025, involving payments outside contractual terms and emergency approvals that breached Eskom’s Delegation of Authority.

Separately, Eskom’s Loss Control Function identified R38 billion in irregular expenditure under earlier fuel contracts concluded in 2019, linked to approvals not obtained from delegated authorities. The utility said the matter has been referred to its Group Security and Investigation unit.

Corrective steps and referrals

Eskom said it had begun implementing corrective measures as issues were identified, including strengthening probity and oversight controls, enhancing contract management processes and initiating accountability measures where warranted.

The utility also said it had reinstated full-scope probity reviews for high-value tenders, clarified Delegations of Authority and referred certain matters to the Hawks under section 34 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act. Marokane said:

“We will continue to act on the investigation’s findings, including implementing consequence management where non‑compliance with governance processes has been identified, as well as enforce consistent execution, accountability and monitoring of controls to ensure our governance and procurement processes remain robust, transparent and beyond reproach.”

Contrasting findings from AmaBhungane

AmaBhungane published an investigation that directly challenges Eskom’s assurances. It reported that Eskom paid hundreds of millions of rand for diesel that allegedly did not exist, citing records that showed fuel marked as received but not physically present in storage tanks.

The AmaBhungane exposé said Eskom authorised large prepayments during the 2025 load-shedding crisis and raised concerns that in some cases diesel was never delivered. It also highlighted supplier vetting issues and irregular procurement practices.

Next steps

Eskom has said it will pursue recoveries where appropriate, continue probity reviews and apply consequence management where governance failures are found. The divergence between Eskom’s verification and AmaBhungane’s reporting leaves the dispute over whether paid-for diesel was physically delivered unresolved in public statements.