Monday, 18 September 2023: Eskom wishes to provide clarity on the news article published by City Press on Sunday, 17 September 2023 with the heading Eskom acting CEO’s role under scrutiny in R500m Fidelity contract. It would have been prudent for the publication to substantiate their report or at least cite a source and to seek a comment from Eskom on the claims that the Eskom Board is turning its attention to Acting Group Chief Executive, Calib Cassim regarding the emergency security contract that was awarded to the Fidelity Services Group. Eskom can confirm that there is no investigation against the Acting Group Chief Executive.
Reassurance on Procurement Procedure
Eskom would also like to reassure South Africans that the placement of the Fidelity Services security contract was in line with Eskom’s Procurement Procedure and the National Treasury directives for emergency procurement of services as previously communicated. The process followed for the approval of releasing the funds for emergency procurement was in line with delegation or policies in the Company.
Following Proper Protocols
It is important to note that Eskom’s procurement process adheres to strict guidelines and regulations set forth by the National Treasury. This ensures that emergency procurement situations, such as the security contract with Fidelity Services, are handled efficiently and transparently. The Company takes its responsibility seriously and ensures compliance with all relevant policies and procedures.
The emergency security contract awarded to Fidelity Services was necessary to address a critical need for enhanced security measures at Eskom facilities. By following the established procedures, Eskom ensured that the company providing the services was selected through a fair and competitive process, guaranteeing the best value for money. This approach not only protects Eskom’s assets but also ensures the safety of its employees and the uninterrupted supply of electricity to the nation.
Furthermore, the approval process for releasing funds in cases of emergency procurement is aligned with delegation policies within the Company. This means that relevant authorities within Eskom reviewed and approved the contract, assuring that it was in the best interest of the company and South Africa as a whole.
Misinformative Article
Eskom finds the article by City Press to be misinformative and cautions against any action to divert its attention from dealing with the pressing issues, chief among those being loadshedding. In a time when the nation is facing power shortages, it is crucial for Eskom to focus on its core operations and solutions to address the energy crisis. False accusations and unverified reports only serve to hinder the progress that can be made to stabilize the power supply.
It is important for media outlets to exercise responsible journalism by verifying their sources and seeking comments from all relevant parties before publishing articles that may impact the reputation and functioning of organizations. The lack of substantiation and failure to seek Eskom’s input on the matter raise concerns about the accuracy and integrity of City Press’ reporting.
Eskom encourages journalists and the public to rely on accurate and verified information, ensuring that the narrative surrounding the company’s operations and challenges remains grounded in truth and facts. Misinformation can lead to unnecessary panic and undermine the efforts made by Eskom and its dedicated employees to provide a reliable and sustainable electricity supply to the nation.
In conclusion, Eskom clarifies that there is no investigation against the Acting Group Chief Executive, Calib Cassim, and that the Fidelity Services security contract was awarded in accordance with established procedures. The article published by City Press is deemed misinformative, urging the public to focus on the real issues at hand, such as loadshedding, and to rely on verified sources for accurate information about Eskom’s operations.
ENDS
